Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is the Area Agency on Aging for Philadelphia County and is dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and adults with disabilities.
PCA publishes Milestones and offers:
• Care in the home
• Caregiver & grandparent support
• Employment & volunteer programs
• Health education
• Home-delivered meals
• Home repairs & modifications
• Information & referral
• Legal services
• Ombudsman services
• Protective services
• Senior centers
• Transportation
• Veteran-directed care
Report suspected elder abuse 24/7 to the PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040.
For general inquiries about PCA or aging services, email AskHelpline@pcaCares.org or call 215-765-9040.
Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP
President and CEO
PCA Board of Directors 2024
Glenn D. Bryan, Chair
Louis G. Colbert, Vice Chair
Satya B. Verma, O.D., Immediate Past Chair
Denise Adamucci
Patricia Canela-Duckett
Wilmarie Gonzalez
Sandra McNally
Paul Nathanson
Norma D. Thomas, D.S.W.
Sharlene Waller
John Whitman
Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D.
Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.
Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 800 locations throughout Philadelphia.
Check us out online: pcaCares.org/ Milestones
Editorial & Advertising: Alicia M. Colombo 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares. org
Subscriptions & Distributions: Home delivery: $12/year
Happy holiday season
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO
The holiday season is here — and while it’s a joyful time for many, it could also be a time for reflection for others.
I hope you take some time this month to enjoy the array of festivities that our city has to offer – from light displays and window decorations to holiday markets and live entertainment.
While you are enjoying the sights and sounds of the season, please think of those who could benefit from additional emotional or other support. Consider reaching out to someone who you know will be alone or having a difficult time this holiday season and invite them to share your friendship through your holiday celebration or meal. Even enjoying a cup of hot cocoa together can really make a difference.
If you’re finding the holidays challenging, here are some strategies that might help:
your well-being first.
• Stay connected: Even if you’re not in the holiday spirit, staying connected to supportive friends, family or community groups can lift your mood. A simple call or coffee date can make a difference.
• Create new traditions: If traditional holiday activities feel stressful, try something new that brings you peace, like a quiet walk, cooking a favorite meal or volunteering.
• Practice self-care: Rest, eat well and engage in activities you enjoy. Exercise, journaling, meditation or listening to music can help ease stress and lift your mood.
• Acknowledge your feelings: Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel however you’re feeling. The holiday season brings a mix of emotions for many of us and accepting them with grace can be a relief.
• Set boundaries: If social gatherings or family obligations feel overwhelming, it’s okay to say “no” or limit your time there. Give yourself permission to put
• Seek support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a therapist, support group or helpline if you need more support. Talking through your feelings with a professional can provide comfort and clarity.
PCA is here for you. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging helps older adults remain independent in their homes and engaged in their communities through its more than 30 services. (See pages 8-9.)
For more information or assistance, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org.
Ombudspeople advocate for the rights of long-term care residents in Philadelphia
By Bill Conallen
For many older adults in longterm care facilities, navigating the complexities of daily life can be challenging, particularly when issues related to their care arise. But thanks to the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) Ombudsman Program, residents have a powerful ally on their side — one committed to ensuring their rights are protected and their voices are heard.
The Ombudsman Program, a key initiative of PCA, safeguards the well-being and dignity of older adults living in nursing homes, personal care homes and other long-term care settings. Trained advocates, known as ombudspeople, visit these facilities regularly to investigate complaints, address concerns and help resolve conflicts. The program serves as a crucial resource for residents and
The program also emphasizes residents’ ability to participate in decisions regarding their care. “It’s vital that individuals in long-term care settings are not just passive recipients of care, but active participants in decisions that impact their daily lives,” Pickett added.
cations, nursing care, physician services and, when necessary, policies on the use of restraints. Ombudspeople also uphold residents’ rights to dignity; freedom from discrimination; and fair practices regarding admission, transfer and discharge from care.
their families, offering a confidential way to report issues ranging from quality of care to living conditions.
“Residents in long-term care facilities have fundamental rights that must be respected,” said Lynda Pickett, assistant director of volunteer services at PCA. “Our Ombudsman Program is here to make sure these rights are upheld, whether it’s being treated with dignity, the right to privacy, or the right to have a say in their own care.”
Championing residents’ rights
Among the core rights that the program seeks to uphold is the right to dignity and respect. Residents are entitled to receive care that’s free from neglect or discrimination. Equally important is their right to privacy, both in terms of their personal lives and medical treatment.
Another critical aspect of the program is ensuring that residents can voice concerns without fear of retaliation. Whether it is about the quality of their meals, staffing shortages or safety issues, residents are encouraged to speak up. Ombudspeople act as impartial intermediaries, advocating on behalf of residents while working with facility administrators to find resolutions.
Growing need for advocacy
In an era where long-term care facilities are under heightened scrutiny, advocacy programs like PCA’s Ombudsman are more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the vulnerabilities faced by those living in nursing homes, sparking increased demand for advocacy services. Nationwide, ombudsman programs have been credited with exposing gaps in care and urging policy changes to better protect residents.
PCA’s Ombudsman Program addresses both individual complaints and seeks to influence broader policy reform, promoting changes that enhance the quality of life for all long-term care residents. The program also works with facilities to resolve issues related to medi-
For many residents, the peace of mind that comes from knowing there is an advocate on their side is invaluable.
As Philadelphia’s population continues to age, PCA’s Ombudsman Program is poised to play an even larger role in protecting residents’ rights and ensuring that their voices remain at the forefront of their care.
For individuals needing ombudsman services in Philadelphia, PCA collaborates with two key partners based on geographic areas of the city. The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elders (CARIE) can be reached at 215-545-5724, with more information available at carie.org. Center in the Park can be contacted at 215-844-1829, with additional information at CenterInTheParkPhila.org. The Pennsylvania Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which manages the program at the state level, can be reached at 717-783-8975 or visit pa.gov (and type “ombudsman” in the search.)
For more information about PCA programs and services, call the PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org.
Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
Apply for Philadelphia’s new Low-Income Tax Freeze Program by Jan. 31, 2025
The Philadelphia Department of Revenue is accepting applications for its newly created assistance program, the Low-Income Tax Freeze. In June, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker signed into law this new initiative to offer financial relief to low-income homeowners in the city. The Low-Income Tax Freeze
program “freezes” real estate tax bills for eligible owner-occupied properties in Philadelphia.
“The Low-Income Tax Freeze program is one more tool in the toolbox to help Philadelphians lower their tax bills,” said Mayor Parker. “No homeowner in Philadelphia should ever fear losing their home because they cannot pay their taxes. The City offers useful programs to help keep tax bills affordable and protect residents.”
The Low-Income Tax Freeze program is available to homeowners who meet the annual income eligibility requirements of $33,500 for an individual or $41,500 for a couple. Qualifying homeowners can apply online through the Philadelphia Tax Cen-
ter at www.tax-services.phila.gov. Applications can also be made in person at one of the City’s neighborhood municipal centers, weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.:
• Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Boulevard, Public Services Concourse
• Northeast Municipal Services Center, 7522 Castor Avenue
Jan. 31, 2025 is the last day to apply and receive the benefit on the 2025 tax bill.
“The Low-Income Tax Freeze program is a significant component of our mission to provide equitable tax relief to our most vulnerable residents, while ensuring everyone pays their fair share,” said Kathleen McColgan,
commissioner, Department of Revenue. “Eligible homeowners enrolled in this program will see significant savings and be protected from increasing property valuations in rapidly changing neighborhoods.”
Philadelphia offers some of the most substantive assistance programs for real estate tax. These programs, like the recently increased Homestead Exemption, will save most homeowners up to $1,399 on their 2025 tax bill.
For more information about the Low-Income Tax Freeze, call the Department of Revenue at 215686-6442 or visit phila.gov/taxfreeze. Applications are available in English and Spanish. Multi-language accommodation is available through the call center.
Source: City of Philadelphia
How to change your mind-set about aging
Sources: Reprinted with permission from
People who think positively about getting older often live longer, healthier lives. Here is how to reconsider your perspective.
At a pool party this summer, Johnnie Cooper climbed onto the diving board, executed a perfect dive and then joined a raucous game of Marco Polo. The occasion? Her 90th birthday.
“I’ve always looked forward to this age,” said Ms. Cooper, who lives in Huntsville, Ala., and is retired from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command. “You no longer have a lot of the struggles you had. There’s a lot more peace.”
Her enthusiasm for getting older could be part of the reason she has lived such a long, rich life. While everyone’s experience with aging is different, experts are increasingly finding that having a positive mind-set is associated with aging well.
A decades-long study of 660 people published in 2002 showed that those with positive beliefs around getting older lived seven and a half years longer than those who felt
negatively about it. Since then, research has found that a positive mind-set toward aging is associated with lower blood pressure, a generally longer and healthier life and a reduced risk of developing dementia. Research also shows that people with a more positive perception of aging are more likely to take preventive health measures — like exercising — which, in turn, may help them live longer.
You can’t stop the march of time, but you don’t have to dread it. Here are some ways to help shift your thinking.
Notice where your age beliefs come from.
From the crotchety neighbor to the clueless Luddite, negative ste reotypes of aging are everywhere. Taking in negative beliefs about ag ing can affect our view of the pro cess — and our health, said Becca Levy, a professor of epidemiology at Yale and the author of “Break ing the Age Code: How Your Age Beliefs Determine How Long and Well You Live.” A 2009 study, for example, found that people in their 30s who held negative stereotypes of aging were significantly more likely to experience a cardiovas cular event, like a heart attack or stroke, later in life than those with positive ones.
week of “age belief journaling,” in which you write down every portrayal of an older person — whether in a movie, on social media or in a conversation. Then question if that portrayal was negative or positive, and whether the person could have been presented differently. Simply identifying the sources of your conceptions about aging can help you gain some distance from negative ideas.
“People can strengthen their positive age beliefs at any age,” Dr. Levy said. In one 2014 study, 100 adults — with an average age of 81 — who were exposed to positive images of aging showed both
Find aging role models.
If you associate aging with only loss or limitation, “you’re not getting the full picture of what it means to age,” said Regina Koepp, a psychologist who specializes in aging. Instead, she said, “shift your attention — look around for role models, see who’s doing it well.” That “doesn’t have to be a person who’s 90 diving off a diving board,” Dr. Koepp said. It might just be someone who attends a yoga class every week or volunteers for a cause.
Dr. Levy recommends coming up with five older people who have done something you deem
(Continued on page 7)
Less Waiting. More Living.
To change your negative age be liefs, you first need to become more aware of them, Dr. Levy said. Try a
(Continued from page 6)
you admire, whether it’s falling in love later in life, showing devotion to helping others or maintaining a commitment to physical fitness.
Don’t mistake forced positivity for optimism.
Research suggests that optimistic women are more likely to live past 90 than less optimistic women, regardless of race or ethnicity. But thinking more positively about aging doesn’t mean papering over real concerns with happy thoughts — or using phrases like “You haven’t aged!” as a compliment.
“The platitudes don’t work — we’ve heard them, they’re trite, they’re tone-deaf,” said Melinda Ginne, 74, a psychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area who specializes in aging.
Plans
Instead, try to look at the honest reality with optimism. If you’re feeling deflated that your tennis game isn’t as strong in your 70s as it once was, Dr. Ginne said, remind yourself: “No, I can’t play tennis like I did when I was 50, and I can only play for 10 minutes. But I can still play.”
Challenge your own fears about getting older.
To feel more positive about aging, Dr. Koepp said, examine what worries you have about the process and then reflect on how troubling those concerns actually are.
For example, Dr. Koepp, 47, has been having an issue with her left hip. “I’ll say I’m old because I feel stiff and creaky,” she said. “But then I think, Well, my right hip
isn’t stiff and creaky, and it’s the same age.”
The point is that while getting older may be contributing to her hip pain, she said, it’s not the only factor. “But we conflate age and disability, and I think that scares people,” she said.
Don’t dismiss the benefits.
Focus on what you’re gaining, too. Research has shown, for example, that emotional well-being generally increases with age, and certain aspects of cognition, like conflict resolution, often improve in later life.
With time, “we’re likely to develop more resilience,” Dr. Koepp said. Successful aging doesn’t mean you won’t get sick, encounter loss or require care at some point, she
Did you know that Cigna HealthcareSM Medicare Advantage plans offer all the coverage of Original Medicare plus added benefits to support your health and well-being? Plans in your area may include benefits,* like:
• Up to $2,096 back in your Social Security check** annually***
• Up to $4,000 dental allowance
• Fitness program, hearing, vision, and transportation services
Act now: The Annual Enrollment Period ends December 7.
said. And no one said that changing any mind-set is easy. But if you can, she added, it may allow you to see yourself more clearly “as a person with lived experience and wisdom” as you age.
(See page 15 for crossword)
2024: A Year of Caring – PCA Key
PCA works to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians and adults with disabilities PCA manages more than 30 programs that support older Philadelphians and
Home-delivered & Congregate Meals:
More than 1.3 million meals served
Senior Center Services:
More than 1.2 million services provided, including exercise, workshops, counseling and art classes.
Personal Care:
Nearly 414,000 servicer hours provided
Legal Assistance:
Nearly 60,000 hours of legal services provided
Senior Companion Program:
More than 22,000 service hours provided
Protective Services:
Nearly 9,900 reports of suspected elder abuse investigated
Emergency Fund for Older Philadelphians:
More than 1,025 grants provided to older adults in crisis
Caregiver Support Program:
More than 850 caregivers served with reimbursement, education & resources
Ombudsman Services:
Assistance provided to 500 people, including more than 300 complaints resolved
Domiciliary Care:
Almost 140 adults connected to home sharing
Senior Community Centers:
PCA supports 29 locations throughout Philadelphia.
*All numbers are estimated through the end of the year.
Programs by the Numbers
More
Assessments:
More than 75,000 evaluations of older adults completed
Volunteer Services: PA MEDI health insurance counseling & education provided to 2,100 people | Mass media reached 2 million people
Events
December 2024
DECEMBER 1-31
IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH
DECEMBER 9
HEALTH RESOURCES
Send your calendar items two months in advance to: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Questions? Call 215-765-9000, ext. 5081.
DECEMBER 20
DECEMBER 13
ENHANCED FITNESS CLASS
BINGO
Learn how to protect yourself from fraud. Info: https://consumer. ftc.gov | 1-877-FTC-HELP (3824357)
DECEMBER 2
COMPUTER LAB
Extra assistance or more time to apply for jobs, take a test or fill out applications. Walk in to receive computer help. 11 a.m. South Philadelphia Library. 215685-1866 | Free
DECEMBER 4
PCA’S GOLDEN VOICES FESTIVAL
Senior community center choirs from across the city. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | Free
DECEMBER 5
YOGA CLASS
All levels of practice. Beginners welcome. Bring your own mat or borrow one. 3:30 p.m. Whitman Library. 215-685-1754 | Free
DECEMBER 6
CHAIR EXERCISE
Work out while seated or using a chair for balance to boost strength, flexibility & mental wellbeing. 11 a.m. Falls of Schuylkill Library. 215-685-2093 | Free
Philadelphia Department of Public Health shares resource information, as well as free COVID tests, condoms & other health supplies. 2 p.m. Fumo Family Library. 215-685-1758 | Free
DECEMBER 10
SENIOR STRENGTH TRAINING
Strength & conditioning class, led by a certified instructor, that combines hand weights, chair exercises & cardio to improve fitness, strength & balance. All equipment is provided. 3 p.m. Whitman Library. 215-685-1754 | Free
DECEMBER 11
CROCHET CLASS
Learn basic crochet techniques & help support ongoing crochet projects. 1:30 p.m. NicetownTioga Library. 215-685-9790 | Free
DECEMBER 12
10 WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S Course helps caregivers recognize signs of the disease & identifies next steps take, including taking to your doctor. 1-2 p.m. PCA Caregiver Support Program. Register: 215-7659000, ext. 4391.
DECEMBER 12
POTTERY CLASS
Learn essential pottery techniques, from shaping & molding to glazing & firing. 11 a.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 | Free
Exercise is a whole lot of fun in this evidence-based program. Certified instructor leads an hour of dynamic cardiovascular exercise. 9:30 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
DECEMBER 15
BILL OF RIGHTS DAY
Celebrate 231 years of the Bill of Rights. View a historic copy & learn about the first 10 amendments. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. National Constitution Center.
Test your luck in friendly competition & have fun. Noon. Martin Luther King Older Adult Center. 215-685-2715 | Free
DECEMBER 23
COOKING CLASS
Each week participants learn to cook a new healthy dish, taste it & take home the recipe. 10 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215426-8610 | Free
DECEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS
DECEMBER 25 HANUKKAH BEGINS
DECEMBER 26 KWANZAA BEGINS
215- 409-6600 | Free
DECEMBER 16
MEDICARE WORKSHOP
Find the best plan for you. 10 a.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5331 | Free
DECEMBER 18
ZUMBA CLASS
Popular fitness program that involves cardio & Latin-inspired dance. 9:30 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
DECEMBER 19
LINE DANCE
Step into the rhythm. This fun, upbeat class teaches popular routines in an easy-to-follow format. 1 p.m. Center in the Park. 215-848-7722 | Free
DECEMBER 30
CPR & SAFETY
Learn life-saving safety skills. 4:30 p.m. Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library. 215685-2150 | Free
DECEMBER 31
FIREWORKS ON THE WATERFRONT
Philadelphia ends every year with a bang. Two shows: 6 p.m. & midnight. Blue Cross River Rink. 215-925-7465 | Free
DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE
HELP AT HOME/PCA OPTIONS PROGRAM
Help at Home, or PCA’s OPTIONS program, provides assistance to Philadelphia residents, age 60 and older who want to remain in their home but need help with challenges associated with daily living and aging.
OPTIONS offers four fundamental services:
• Older adult daily living services –supervised, interactive care for older adults with functional challenges such as Parkinson’s, dementia and related health issues.
• Care management – ongoing care plan management to ensure the individual’s needs are being met.
• Home-delivered meals – frozen or hot, meeting one-third of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for older adults.
• Personal care services – assistance with daily living activities.
Individual-Directed Care
Using person-centered and strengths-based approaches, OPTIONS empowers individuals and their caregivers to make informed decisions and participate fully in the care planning process. A choice of services and available providers are offered to support older adults’ highest level of functioning. As needs change, the OPTIONS care manager can add or adjust services to meet new or emerging needs.
Supplemental services of PCA’s OPTIONS program include:
• Home health services – offers skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and home health aides.
• Home modifications – offers adaptations to the home to improve safety and accessibility.
• Home support – provides light housekeeping, shopping, and laundry.
• Durable medical equipment – offers assistive devices and supplies.
PCA’s OPTIONS program assists in coordinating home and community-based services so that an older Philadelphian can remain at home while aging gracefully.
To participate in OPTIONS, an individual must meet certain eligibility criteria. For more information, contact the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.
Helpline: 215-765-9040 pcaCares.org
Managing stress and mental health: How to protect your body and well-being
By Jay Nachman
Stress, anxiety and mental health challenges are an unavoidable part of life for many of us. They can have a profound impact on both our emotional and physical health. Dr. Sabrina Islam, an associate professor of medicine at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, explains how stress can affect the body in ways that we might not always realize, often leading to long-term health concerns.
One of the most vulnerable systems in the body when it comes to stress is the vascular system, which includes the heart, blood vessels and the organs that depend on healthy blood flow. “When you are under stress, or if you’re dealing with anxiety that’s not well-controlled, it can raise your blood pressure and it can also raise your heart rate,” Dr. Islam said. “It can lead to a progression or acceleration of other vascular conditions, like coronary artery disease or de-
velopment of arrhythmia(s).”
These conditions can lead to heart attacks, strokes and congestive heart failure.
It’s important to acknowledge that stress can be acute — triggered by a specific event or situation — but chronic, ongoing stress poses a much greater risk. While short-term stressors may be managed with simple strategies, prolonged stress over years can lead to a range of medical conditions that impact both physical and mental health.
Recognize impact
Dr. Islam emphasizes the first step in managing stress is recognizing and accepting that life is full of stressors. Whether it’s something at work, in your personal life or a combination of factors, stress is inevitable. “It might be short-lived and so we have certain ways that we can cope with stress in the short term,” Dr. Islam said.
To manage long-term stress, Dr. Islam encourages adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms, like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, and instead focusing on physical activity. Exercise has an incredible ability to counter stress. Just 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per
week can help regulate your blood pressure and heart rate, keeping stress from taking too much of a toll.
Getting enough sleep is another essential piece of the puzzle. Lack of sleep can make stress, anxiety and even depression worse, so prioritizing rest is key. Dr. Islam also suggests incorporating mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, to help manage both short-term and longterm stress.
“It’s really great for balancing the blood pressure and heart rate and can prevent those spikes during stressful times,” she said.
For older adults, stress can look different due to major life changes — like shifts in living arrangements, retirement or the loss of loved ones — that may lead to increased social isolation and decreased physical activity. Dr. Islam points out that as people age, they may also become more vulnerable to mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, which often go unrecognized.
“It is important to try to preserve as much autonomy as possible, (as it helps) to maintain cardiovascular and neurological health, as well as overall physical fitness,” said Dr. Islam. “(Healthy) coping mechanisms are even more paramount in the senior years, like mindfulness, yoga and staying physically active.”
Dr. Islam also emphasizes that it’s important to seek regular medical care, especially for those who may face barriers to accessing health care. “It is easier to treat medical
conditions when they are first diagnosed and require less invasive testing and treatment options,” she said. “If we capture these medical conditions at an earlier state, we’re able to protect the body over time.”
She encourages both individuals and health care providers to take a holistic approach to health. “We need to consider the person as a whole,” Dr. Islam says. “If we’re not addressing anxiety, depression and stress, we’re not fully treating the underlying health conditions.”
Even when stress and mental health challenges seem overwhelming, Dr. Islam reminds us that it’s never too late to start making positive changes. “Coming in and getting that checkup and getting the process started is the first step toward turning things around and seeking a healthier life,” Dr. Islam said. “We can always make progress and that’s the beauty of cardiovascular health. You can always make things better. The best investment you can do is investing in yourself and your health.”
If you’re dealing with stress, anxiety or any mental health concerns, remember that you’re not alone; and there are many ways to improve your situation. Taking small steps, like getting active, prioritizing sleep or seeking support from a health care professional, can have a meaningful impact on your well-being.
Above all, be kind to yourself, and take things one step at a time.
Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
Protect your wallet: A guide to avoiding financial scams
Scams targeting people age 60 and older resulted in more than $3.4 billion in losses in 2023, according to the FBI. While financial scams and fraud happen throughout the year, the holidays are a predictable time to see an increase. More online shopping, along with increased phone or email donation appeals, means more opportunities for fraud. It is also an emotional time of year for many people, especially those who may feel lonely or isolated, which scammers can exploit.
The Eldercare Locator can help older adults, caregivers and their families to stay safe and worry free by protecting themselves and loved ones from financial fraud and scams during the holiday season.
Here are some of the most common types of scams and fraud, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB):
• Charity: Scammer pretends to represent a real or madeup organization and asks for donations.
• No delivery: A person buys something online but never receives the item.
• Grandparent: Scammer pretends to be a grandchild or relative in trouble and asks for money or gift cards.
• Tech support: Scammer pretends to be a computer expert offering technical support to trick people into giving access to their computers and personal information.
• Romance: Scammer pretends to be romantically interested in someone, develops trust, and then asks for money or a loan.
• Blackmail: Scammer threatens to release personal information unless the victim sends money using wire transfer or gift cards.
• Investment: Scammer pretends to be a financial professional with urgent investment opportunities that are fake, including offers to teach you how to invest in cryptocurrency.
Tips to avoid scams
Here are some of the things you can do to prevent getting scammed or becoming a victim of financial
fraud:
• Be wary of someone offering you a “great deal” that seems too good to be true or pressuring you to act quickly.
• Do not be afraid to say “no” or hang up if you feel uncomfortable or suspicious about a phone call solicitation or to ignore suspicious emails or text solicitations.
• Never send money using a gift card or wire transfer directly to a seller or unknown person.
• Do not click on suspicious links or open unknown attachments in text messages, emails, websites or social media.
• Be suspicious of a company asking you by phone or email to update your password or account information. Look up the company’s phone number on your own, then call the company to find out if the request is real.
• Keep personal information in a safe and secure location that unauthorized individuals cannot access.
• Do not share numbers or passwords for accounts, credit cards or Social Security.
• Monitor your financial accounts by setting up alerts for unusual activity and reviewing statements more frequently during the holidays.
• Build a strong support network and stay connected
with others to prevent social isolation. This can decrease the chances that you will experience financial exploitation and the likelihood that it goes unnoticed.
• Stay informed about current scams and keep older family members up to date on official warnings about current scams or fraud.
Scam-fighting resources
• U.S. Department of Justice’s National Elder Fraud Hotline: People age 60 and older who are victims of financial fraud can call 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833372-8311). A case manager will assist with the reporting process at the federal, state and local levels.
• Federal Trade Commission: Report suspected fraud at 1-877-382-4357 or https:// ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
• Eldercare Locator: Gateway for older adults and people with disabilities searching for information and resources vital to their well-being and independence. 1-800677-1116 (voice, videochat or text) | usaging.org/ h4h2024
• Philadelphia Corporation for Aging: Report suspected elder abuse, including financial exploitation of an older Philadelphian to PCA’s Older Adult Protective Services 24/7 at 215-765-9040.
Source: USAging’s Eldercare Locator
Healthy brain habits IN OTHER WORDS
family and start new friendships. Nurture relationships, even new ones! You’re never too old to build connections with the people around you! These friendships enrich your life and keep you thinking. Combat loneliness with a support network.
Avoid head injury. Traumatic brain injury increases the risk of developing dementia. Helmets, seatbelts and other safety measures can help prevent head injuries from falls or accidents. If you sustain a concussion, follow all protocols outlined by your health care provider and take every precaution to avoid another injury.
Building good habits will help promote healthy aging and good brain health, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). Taking a few simple steps will make a positive difference. Make time outside. Do not sit at home in front of the TV or computer all day. Get some fresh air. Spend time surrounded by nature.
Vitamin D is important for the brain. People whose levels are low are more likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. Sunlight is the most common source of vitamin D. Milk is fortified with vitamin D. Mushrooms are also an excellent source of natural vitamin D and a good dietary option.
Avoid empty calories. If you crave sweets, make sure there is some nutritional value and some component that is filling, rather than just eating candy or junk food. Good examples are strawberries or banana slices dipped in yogurt, peanut butter on apple slices, a mix of nuts and chocolate, or brownies made with beans or zucchini.
Keep in touch with friends and
To learn more about healthy aging and good brain health, contact the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America at 1-866232-8484 or alzfdn.org.
PA creates Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Division
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation to create the Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders (ADRD) Division to support older adults and their caregivers. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will oversee the ADRD Division.
The 2024-25 bipartisan budget invests $80 million more to support older Pennsylvanians, and the ADRD Division is part of that investment, according to the Governor’s office.
Act 111 also establishes an ADRD Advisory Committee to convene statewide stakeholders on ADRD State Plan implementation, advocate for policy, secure federal funding, and leverage additional resources to better support people living with ADRD.
