NEWS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS A Publication of SEPTEMBER 2022 • FREE P4 IN PILLARSENGAGINGISSUETHISARTPROGRAMP12OFBRAINHEALTHP13LATINOCOMMUNITYRESOURCESP6 seniorconnectionscommunityStrengtheningatcenters September is National Senior Center Month! Learn more about how Philadelphia’s senior centers provide access to information, opportunities, and support to improve the lives of people as they age. P5
Celebrating senior centers, Hispanic heritage
The views expressed in Milestones are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) and do not constitute an endorsement by PCA of any opinion, viewpoint, book, movie, website, product, or service. PCA assumes no responsibility and is not liable for errors, misprints, omissions, or misinformation in any article or advertisement published in Milestones. No part of the Milestones publication may be reproduced without the permission of PCA. ©2022 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.
Milestones 2 SEPTEMBER 2022
Hispanic Heritage Month
Editor: Alicia M. Colombo 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org
Advertising: Teresa Heavens 215-765-9000, ext. 5053 Email: Teresa.Heavens@pcaCares.org Subscriptions & Distributions: 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 Email: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Home delivery: $12/year
and
Each year, Americans observe Nation al Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This is a time to recognize the achievements and contributions of the many Hispanic Americans who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as His panic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded to a month-long observance by President Ron ald Reagan in 1988. Hispanic Heritage Month starts on Sept. 15, to coincide with the anniversary of independence for sever al Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nica ragua.During Hispanic Heritage Month, I wel come you to learn about the diverse histo ries, cultures and contributions of Hispan ic Americans who have inspired others to achieve success. This month’s Milestones includes sever al interesting and useful articles for Phila delphia’s older adult Hispanic and Latino community. The Recipe Box offers popu lar traditional Latin cuisine for you to try. There is also information about senior cen ters and other community resources that offer specialized services in both English and Spanish. Among these resources is the PCA Helpline (215-765-9040), which is staffed by English and Spanish speakers. PCA’s website at pcaCares.org offers auto matic translation in 15 languages, includ ing Spanish.
PCA publishes Milestones
Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M. Milestones is published monthly and distrib uted at more than 1,100 locations throughout Philadelphia, Lower Bucks and Eastern Mont gomery counties. Check us out online: pcaCares.org/Milestones
offers: • Care in the home • Home-delivered meals • Home repairs and modifications • Protective services • Senior centers • Caregiver support • Employment and volunteer programs • Legal services • Transportation • Ombudsman services • Health education •
By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA president & CEO
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a nonprofit agency dedi cated to Philadelphia’s older adults adults with disabilities. and Information and referral For more information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.
September is a special month that hon ors older adults through national, monthly observances of senior centers and healthy aging. This is a great time to go out and explore all that your local senior commu nity center has to offer! It is vital that older adults remain active physically and en gaged mentally. Senior centers offer ample opportunity to maintain or improve your total wellness – mind, body and soul. All 28 of the PCA-funded senior com munity centers and satellite meal sites throughout Philadelphia are open to the public. Safety precautions are in place to protect older adults and center staff from COVID-19. Masks are required to be worn by everyone who enters a PCA-supported senior center. Additionally, all locations are frequently and thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent the spread of illness.
Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Call 24/7 to report suspected elder abuse. PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 Outside Philadelphia toll-free: 888-215-765-9041 (TDD) pcaCares.org
serving
Funded by PCA
While you’re at a senior center, you can engage in a variety of exercise, education and recreation activities. You’ll surely be come hungry during your stay. Not to wor ry, all locations are providing meals to older adults. Many senior centers have returned to daily in-person congregate dining, while other locations are providing grab-and-go meals to older adults. It’s best to contact your local senior community center or satellite meal location directly to inquire about meal options and the reservation process. To locate a senior center near you, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers.
WHAT IS PCA?
Najja R. Orr, President and CEO PCA Board of Directors 2022-23 Satya B. Verma, O.D., Chair Glenn D. Bryan, Vice Chair Angela Foreshaw-Rouse, Secretary Louis G. Colbert, Treasurer Louis A. Bove, Esq. Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq. Lynn Fields Harris Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., FACOFP Sandra McNally Paul JacquelineEloiseNathansonN.YoungS.Zinn, Ph.D.
Active, holistic atmosphere at Firehouse Active Adult Center
Addressing community needs A typical day for Jacqueline King, Fire house center counselor, is spent assisting members with rent rebates, citizenship or green card applications, and locat ing housing resources. King does a little bit of everything to support the center’s members, as well as individuals in the West Philadelphia community.
Mary Anna Rodabaugh
SENIOR CENTER SPOTLIGHT
It is a Friday morning, and the Firehouse Active Adult Center in West Philadel phia is bustling with energy. Within the brick walls and red-colored doors of a renovated firehouse, you will find a robust gathering of older adults attending a health presentation by Penn Medicine, picking the best table for morning bingo, working out in a group fitness class, or picking up a grab-andgo meal. Soon, staff would be setting up for the daily in-person congregate lunch, which has resumed at the center.
Milestones 4 SEPTEMBER 2022
who has been a member of the center for about six months, participates in many activities including working out on the treadmill, doing word puzzles and playing bingo. But her favorite activity is the crochet class. “I’ve crocheted a few grocery bags and now everybody in the group is crochet ing grocery bags in all different colors and designs,” Garner said. In addition to the programming of fered, Garner has a deep appreciation for the continued safety efforts the staff enforces to protect the health of its old er adult members. These efforts include temperature checks and required mask wearing by all who enter the building. Supporting mental health Since his arrival in October 2021, Cen ter Director of Firehouse Active Adult Center Ruben Hoggard, MSW, M.Div., has taken a holistic approach to the cen ter’s operations and programming. In less than a year, Hoggard has paved the way for several mental and emotional health initiatives at the center.
“As a counselor, I like to get to the point of what the person came in for,” King said. “I like advocating (for the needs of older adults).” She also works hard to highlight what events are happening in the com munity so members can take advantage of free resources and local activities. When the center opened fully after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions eased, King noticed more older adults participating in the center’s computer and tablet classes. She quickly learned they wanted to know more about social media and how to use it. King also en courages members to sign up for a free email account, since an email address is often needed to access online portals and to receive important information. But King’s job is not all business. With a diverse background and penchant for programming, King enjoys assisting with the center’s activities. Her vision board group was a favorite among members. “Our center is a recreation center for active adult members to come and enjoy themselves,” King said. “We’ve had DJs, art shows, comedy shows and trips.” She noted the Atlantic City trips are an alltime member favorite. Whether you want to make new friends, start a new workout routine, get creative, enjoy breakfast and lunch, or address your emotional health, Fire house Active Adult Center has exactly what you need. “It is a phenomenal place to be,” Crit tendon said.
By Mary Anna Rodabaugh
As a leader with a true hands-on ap proach, you may find Hoggard filling in for his custodian, helping a member play bingo or leading the weekly Bible study.
“Mr. Reuben will talk with us,” said member Robin Crittendon, 67, of West Philadelphia. She has been a member for eight years and serves on the center’s Member Advisory Board. Crittendon also enjoys playing games, such as word search and bingo.
Grief counseling is open to members of the center and the community. By using tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, strength-based approach therapy and coping skills, Hog gard helps members understand and communicate their feelings.
“I like that I can come here and get out and socialize with people in my general age group,” says member Azalia Garner, 70, of West Philadelphia. “I like that they have so many programs that I can partic ipateGarner,in.”
“The holistic approach is dealing with the body, the mind and the spirit,” Hog gard says. “I dive in and break those areas down.”Hoggard offers counseling and also leads a weekly men’s group. Individual counseling is offered three days a week.
Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writ ing coach. Firehouse Active Adult Center, lo cated at 5331 Haverford Ave. in West Philadelphia, is managed and funded by Philadelphia Corporation for Ag ing (PCA). The center is open week days from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are many services offered: grab-and-go meals, fitness classes, bingo, art class es, brain games, health workshops, counseling, social service resources, pinochle, parties, trips and much more! For more information stop by the center, call 215-472-6188 or visit AdultCenter.facebook.com/FirehouseActive
This year, the center hosted LGBTQ+ Pride Day on June 30 and invited certified SAGE Trainer Terry Clark to facilitate the program. LGBTQ+ support groups and SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders) programs are also offered at Northern Living Center, Center in the Park, Klein Life and Martin Luther King Older Adult Center. For information about Southwest Senior Center: 215-937-1880 | Facebook. com/SouthwestSeniorCenter“Weconstantlydiscover that older adults are open to change and are not fixed in their thinking,” said Lee. “They are ex cited to learn and continue to grow. That is why all our senior centers consistently strive to create an experience of accep tance, kindness and love for one another that respects the diversity of the commu nities we serve. Each month, we make it a priority to present programming that provides an engaging experience for older Philadelphians that fulfills them in mind, body and soul.”
To learn more about Philadelphia’s se nior community centers, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pca Cares.org/SeniorCenters.
Everyone is welcome: Senior centers embrace diversity
Celebrated every year in September, National Senior Center Month is a time to shine a light on senior community centers with a specific focus on showing the en tire nation how vital they are to the health and well-being of older adults. Philadel phia Corporation for Aging (PCA) works to meet this commitment by supporting a slate of diverse programming and events at senior community centers that reflects the multicultural makeup of Philadelphia’s older“Nationaladults.
PCA archives
Celebrating LGBTQ Pride PCA’s Southwest Senior Center, locat ed at 6916 Elmwood Ave., is committed to honoring and accepting LGBTQ+ el ders and allies. In 2016, the center hosted its first Senior Center Pride Day through the initiative of Center Director Paulette Cunningham in her commitment to bring diversity and inclusiveness to the center. Southwest Senior Center has since host ed several LGBTQ+-friendly events, in cluding SAGE Table that brings together LGBTQ+ people of different generations.
By Bill Conallen
SEPTEMBER 2022 Milestones 5
Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
Celebrating Asian heritage Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts (PSC – Arts), located at 509 S. Broad St. in central Philadelphia, also houses the Asian Pacific Resource Center that provides mostly Chinese older adults with in-house social services and online resources. PSC – Arts serves Asian cuisine each Wednesday, during its congregate meal program. Many of the participants are from diverse cultural backgrounds and enjoy the opportunity to partake in a delicious Asian meal and connect with members of their community with whom they might not otherwise interact. PSC –Arts is open weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information: 215-546-5879 | PhilaSeniorCenter.orgJuniataParkOlder Adult Center (JPOAC), located at 1251 E. Sedgley Ave. in Northeast Philadelphia, has long strived to be a welcoming haven for older Philadelphians. The center’s mission is to include diversity in all its programming. Prior to the pandemic, JPOAC hosted an English as a Second Language program for its large Asian membership. Among the programs offered at JPOAC are tai chi and mahjong, which are both enjoyed by the growing Hispanic and Chinese popu lations at the center. Previous cultural ac tivities hosted by JPOAC included a Lunar New Year celebration and intergeneration al programs, held in coordination with local elementary schools, that focused on the holidays. Juniata Park Older Adult Center is open weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information: 215-685-1490 | Facebook.com (Search for “Juniata Park Older Adult Center”)
Supporting community, connection KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia, lo cated at 10100 Jamison Ave., serves immi grants from over 40 different countries and individuals of diverse identities, including Philadelphia’s Jewish community. The cen ter offers educational programs, including lectures, English as a Second Language and technology classes offered in multiple lan guages, culturally relevant clubs, socializa tion programs and events, and health and wellness initiatives. Among KleinLife’s of ferings are the Russian Satellite program that serves Russian-speaking older adults from the former Soviet Union, including Ukraine; the Korean Social Circle; meals programs; health services, including an on-site Senior Care Nurse Practitioner and wellness program for Holocaust sur vivors; and lectures where people born in the United States and those coming from other countries can come together. Klein Life also provides a supportive space for people of all abilities, including people who are living with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia is open weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information: 215-6987300 | KleinLife.org
Senior Center Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the ded ication of our staff, who have worked dili gently behind the scenes to provide prac tical resources to older adults during these ‘incredibly challenging times of the pan demic,” said Esther Lee, PCA’s assistant director of community engagement. “To achieve this goal, it is of vital importance that our programming reflects the diversi ty of communities we call home.” Thousands of older Philadelphians find community and connection at the network of 28 PCA-funded senior community cen ters and satellite meal sites throughout the city. Programs include wellness work shops, exercise classes, foreign language lessons and countless other activities that are meant to foster friendships and lasting connections throughout the communities each center serves. Most of the senior cen ters that PCA supports host special events throughout the year that aim to empower diverse older adults to embrace holistic ag ing and independence.
Milestones 6 SEPTEMBER 2022
Latino older adults and their caregivers who call PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040 have access to Spanish-speaking staff who can assist with a variety of needs. PCA’s website at pcaCares.org offers automatic translation in Spanish and 14 other various languages. Bilingual senior centers When you are looking to participate in activities and events with older adults who share parts of your heritage, a senior community center can be the perfect place to forge new friendships and enhance an active lifestyle. Philadelphia is home to several predominantly Spanish-speaking senior centers that offer activities older adult Latinos can enjoy.
Norris Square Senior Community Cen ter, located at 2121 N. Howard St. in North Philadelphia and operated by Catholic Housing and Community Services, offers opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education and nutrition al “Itsupport.isgreat because Norris Square Senior Community Center prepares meals that are culturally familiar to the (Latino) com munity,” Sarfraz says. For more information, call 215-4237241 or visit chcsphiladelphia.org/se nior-centers.MannOlder Adult Center, temporarily housed in Juniata Older Adult Center at 1251 East Sedgley Ave. in the Northeast, offers recreational trips, in-house events, and access to food and wellness services. Latino older adults can feel at home know ing there are plenty of Spanish-speaking staff and participants. For more informa tion, call 215-685-9844. Health and wellness resources Finding proper health care and nav igating the complicated pathways through Medicare can be cumbersome for older adults and their caregivers. The Maria de Santos Health Center, located at 401 W. Allegheny Ave., offers commu nity-focused health care, including pre ventive care, podiatry, dental and more. The center accepts all insurances and has a sliding-fee discount scale for patients who meet certain income eligibility re quirements. For more information, call 215-291-2500 or visit secondAssociation,AccordingSpanish-speakingopportunitiesgoalstheResearchparaversitythestudies.under-representedSarfraz7200olderprogramsvided.emergency9ththevelopmentservices,(APM)los-santos-health-center.dvch.org/maria-de-AsociaciónPuertorriqueñosenMarchaisaLatino-basedhealth,humancommunityandeconomicdenonprofitorganizationservingPhiladelphiaarea.Locatedat1900N.St.,APMoffersbehavioralhealthandresources.TranslationisproFormoreinformationaboutAMP’sandinitiativestobenefitLatinoadultsandfamilies,call267-296-orvisitapmphila.org.Inadditiontohealthcareresources,saystheLatinopopulationisalsoinclinicalresearchForthatreason,sheservesonclinicaladvisoryboardfortheUniofPennNursingTiempoJunotoslaSalud(TimeTogetherforHealth)Study.ThisnewstudyaddressesNationalInstituteonAging’sstrategicbypromotingsafeandstructuredforphysicalactivityamongLatinos55andolder.totheAmericanPsychologicalcardiovasculardiseasesarehighestcauseofdeathforLati
Highlighting Latino community outreach, resources iStock
Many older adult Latinos struggle with finding proper health care and guidance. To combat these barriers, Sarfraz attends community health fairs and translates in formation from PCA’s Community Rela tions Department into Spanish.
National Hispanic Heritage Month in September is the perfect opportunity to highlight the many valuable resources available to support the unique cultural needs of the Latino community. Philadel phia Corporation for Aging (PCA) works to foster connection between community resources and Philadelphia’s older adult ethnic and cultural minority communi ties.“What I enjoy the most is making sure the Latino community has access to re sources, and I am able to make those con nections, whether it is resources within PCA or the community,” says Lissette Sarfraz, PCA’s Latino outreach coordina tor. “When I’m helping them navigate the system, it is almost like helping my grand parents in a way.” Many of those resources come from PCA’s Latino Advisory Council, which is comprised of professionals and volunteers who work with Latino older adults. The devoted members represent various social service, nonprofit and community agen cies. The council meets quarterly to dis cuss aging-services resources, plan events and explore any issues that Latino older adults may be facing.
By Mary Anna Rodabaugh
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• Taller Puertorriqueño (Taller) de scribes itself as “the cultural heart of Latino Philadelphia” and dedicates it self to elevating and preserving Puer to Rican and Latino culture through arts and cultural programming. For over four decades, the Taller’s Lorenzo Homar Gallery has been the region’s only gallery dedicated to Puerto Ri can and Latinx Art, highlighting con temporary artists from Philadelphia, the nation and Puerto Rico. 2600 N. 5th St. | Art gallery hours: Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 215-426-3311 | Tall erPR.org
f resh
SEPTEMBER 2022 Milestones 7
Call the PCA Helpline: pcaCares.org215-765-9040 home-style meals designed with ingredients by a dietitian touch: deliveries you can count by friendly, dedicated low-cost or you nearly 50 years of experience for your neighbors the local resource trusted by thousands of older Philadelphians
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Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writ ing coach. There are many additional resources available for Latino older adults. These include:•
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nos, behind cancer. For more information about the study, contact Adriana Perez, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, associate professor of nursing at University of Pennsylvania at 215-746-1840 or go to nursing.upenn.edu and type “tiempo junotos” in the search box. *** PCA coordinates Asian, African/Carib bean, Latino, and clergy/interfaith adviso ry councils that include a network of Phila delphia organizations providing culturally appropriate resources to the city’s older adults. These advisory councils each meet quarterly and also come together annual ly for a joint meeting. Council members contribute expertise and provide specific information regarding the needs of their communities. For more information about resources and services for Philadelphia’s ethnic and minority older adults, contact the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.
• HACE, a nonprofit community de velopment organization, has created a supportive community for older adults through the development of af fordable rental housing and construc tion of a Life Center that provides older adults with social and health services so they can remain at home as long as possible. The Network of Care program at HACE helps older adults complete the paperwork nec essary to access services, advocates on their behalf, and provides links to outside resources. 167 W. Allegh eny Ave., Suite 200 | 215- 426-8025 | HACEcdc.org
• Concilio serves as a catalyst for main taining and celebrating the cultural heritages and histories of diverse Latino communities. It offers numer ous resources, educational programs and cultural. 141 E. Hunting Park Ave. | 215-627-3100 | ElConcilio.net
• The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has an Office for Hispanic Catholics that offers events, programs and support to Latino Catholics of all ages in Phil adelphia. 222 N. 17th St., 8th Floor | 215-667-2820 | Bilingual (English/ Spanish) website: oficinahispanac atolica.org.
The Latino Partnership Initiative of Philadelphia Prevention Partnership works to improve the quality of life for Latinos in Philadelphia, serving as a catalyst to unify, build, advocate and implement a comprehensive com mon agenda. 1600 Church St. | 215613-7013 | PartnershipPhily.com/lpi
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Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) offers
Delicious meals delivered to your home
Additional resources
Milestonessubscriptionincluded
Tasty, nutritious options when you can’t prepare your own meals
• Reliability:
September 2022 Events SEPTEMBER 5 SEPTEMBER 11 NATIONAL
SEPTEMBER 13
SEPTEMBER 3-4
SEPTEMBER
Entertainment by comedian Jim Daly & Friends. 6 p.m. Chaverim & Men’s Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim. 215-677-1600 | Tickets: $30 & Lifeline: Call or text 988 | 988lifeline.org
RESOURCE INFO FOR IMMIGRANTS
Send your calendar items
Questions?(forbyMilestonesNews@pcaCares.orgtothe25thofthemonthpublicationinmonthafternext)215-765-9000,ext.5081
Crisis
DOLLAR DAY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts, front porch. 215-546-5879 | Free to attend 8 & BELLY LAUGHS
General meeting with guest speaker Cathryn Miller-Wilson, executive director of HIAS Pennsylvania. 7 p.m. The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim. 215-677-1600 | Free SEPTEMBER 13 BIRTHDAY BINGO
Celebrate the diversity in Philadelphia with a series of cultural festivals. PECO Multicultural Series. 1-7 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. 215922-2FUN | Free MUSICTUESDAYSAPPRECIATION
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Celebrate Indigenous artists, performers and creators. PECO Multicultural Series. Time: TBD. Cherry Street Pier. 215-9222FUN | Free SEPTEMBER 4
Celebrate September birthdays with games & cupcakes. 12:30 p.m. Raymond & Miriam Klein Center. 215-698-7300 | Free: Some special games for $0.25 each. SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15
WE ARE THE SEEDS
Senior Pavilion, games, prizes, give aways. Free haircuts, massages & back packs. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Deliverance Evangelistic Church. 215-391-4180 | Free
BRAZILIAN DAY FESTIVAL
BEEF, BEER
CLASS Listening to music can evoke powerful & emotional experiences. A knowledgeable leader guides the group in new & diverse music in various genres, including classi cal, vocal, country, rhythm & blues, jazz, soul and folk. 1:45-3 p.m. Journey’s Way. 215-487-1750, ext. 1101 | Free SEPTEMBER 7
SEPTEMBER 10 WORLD SUICIDE PREVETION DAY National Suicide
SEPTEMBER 17 HEALTH & COMMUNITYWELLNESSDAY
FESTIVAL Cultural activities, music, food, traditional arts & crafts, & dancing. PECO Multicultural Series. 2- 8 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. 215-922-2FUN | Free SEPTEMBER 20 FLU SHOTS Vaccines provided by Savon Acme. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Raymond & Miriam Klein Center. 215-698-7300 | Free SEPTEMBER 20-23
COMMON THREADS: DIABETES Six-week, phone-based self-management program to help Philadelphians 60-plus take charge of diabetes & symptoms, including fatigue, pain & stress. Additional topics: improving strength & endurance, healthy eating and menu planning, blood sugar & medication management, foot care & communication. 10-11 a.m. Host: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. Register: 215-765-9000, ext. 5119 | Free SEPTEMBER 27
RONALD CAMPBELL CONCERT
Make 5783 the sweetest year. Fun program led by Rabbi Sandra Berliner, includes delicious festive meal & live music. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Raymond & Miriam Klein Center. 215-698-7300 | Free SEPTEMBER 25 PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE Cultural celebration with traditional Latino music, poetry & dancing. 12-3 p.m. Benjamin Franklin Parkway. 215-627-3100 | Free SEPTEMBER 25-27
MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Presented by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. Details: pcaCares.org | 215-765-9000, ext. 5065 (Cost: $20-40 per session)
ROSH HASHANAH CELEBRATION
REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGING
SEPTEMBER 21
ONEG SHABBAT YOM KIPPUR YIZKOR Reflect on this past year & honor the loved ones you have lost. 10:30 a.m. Raymond & Miriam Klein Center. 215698-7300 | Free CENTER MONTH
1-2 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center –Avenue of the Arts. Register: 215546-5879 | Free SEPTEMBER 28
SEPTEMBER 23
Details: nhaad.org
SEPTEMBER 18 HIV/AIDS & AWARENESSAGINGDAY
THE MAGIC BOX: HOW RADIO TRANSFORMED AMERICA
Register: bit.ly/the-magic-box
AARP DRIVERS TRAINING COURSE Car insurance discount for course completion. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. 215-386-0379 | $20 for AARP members; $25 for non-members
ROSH HASHANAH MONDAYS, SEPT. 26 TO OCT. 31
SEPTEMBER 18
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE Held in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts. Register: 215-546-5879 | Free SEPTEMBER 30
NATIONAL SENIOR
SEPTEMBER 20 & 21
Alexander Magoun, outreach historian with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, will present a virtual program on the height of radio from 1920-50. 11 a.m. Host: Free Library of Philadelphia. 215-686-5331 |
Ingredients: 6 to 8 medium ears sweet corn, husks
½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (Substitute: grated Parmesan or crumbled feta) Lime wedges, to serve
Directions: In a bowl, whisk together the crema, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, chipotle pepper, lime zest and lime juice. Taste and season the mixture with salt if need ed. Set Placeaside.the husked corn directly onto grill grates. Grill the corn for about 3 min utes, undisturbed, or until kernels begin to turn golden brown and look charred. Turn corn over and repeat. When all sides are browned, remove from the grill. Using a brush or a spoon, coat each ear of corn with the crema mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and additional chipotle pep per, if desired. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.
Source: EatingWell Argentinian Beef Empanadas iStock
½removedcupMexican crema (Substitute: sour cream)
iStock Ingredients: 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 lb. ground beef (20% fat) 2 medium onions, chopped 2 small red bell peppers, seeded and Kosherchoppedsalt,freshly ground pepper
Reduce heat to medium and cook chopped onion and pepper with remain ing 1 tbsp. oil, stirring, until tender but not browned, 6-8 minutes. Season vegetables with salt and black pepper, cumin, sweet paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pep per. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chicken stock and reserved beef, along with any accumulated juices to pot. Stir in sugar, 4 tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring and scraping up any brown bits, until most of the liquid is evaporated, 15-20 minutes; taste and season with salt and black pepper, if needed. Stir in raisins. Transfer to a medi um bowl, cover, and chill at least 3 hours.
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3 tbsp. ground cumin 2 tbsp. sweet paprika 1 tbsp. dried oregano ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper 1½ cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth 2 tsp. sugar ½ cup raisins 3 packages (12 each) puff pastry dough for turnovers/empanadas (preferably ½Goya)cuppitted green olives, rinsed well and cut in half lengthwise Directions: Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a large pot over high heat. Cook ground beef, breaking up with a spoon, until browned but not completely cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Transfer beef to a medium bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving as much fat in pan as possible.
Traditional Latin American dishes add spice to your meals
This pastry or turnover that’s filled with savory ingredients then baked or fried is a favorite finger food in Argentina. The name comes from the verb “empanar” mean ing “to wrap or coat in bread or dough.” Popular fillings include ground or minced beef, chicken, or even a ham-and-cheese combo.
Source: Simply Recipes Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican grilled street corn)
Recipe Box
Crossword Puzzle Solution page 15 for
½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup chopped cilantro 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ tsp. ground chipotle pepper, to taste 2 tsp. finely grated lime zest from 1 lime 2 tbsp. lime juice (from 1 lime)
Mexican cuisine uses diverse flavors to make plain corn creamy, savory and even spicy. Elote is a typical Mexican street food. You’ll see it everywhere in the streets of Mexico City, sold next to tacos on street carts. The sweet, tender corn kernels are covered by soft Mexican crema. A small layer of cotija (dry Mexican cheese) is sprin kled on top as a light savory layer. And finally, the chili powder on the outermost layer gives the ultimate explosive taste with every single bite.
Milestones 10 SEPTEMBER 2022
Preheat oven to 375°. Let puff pastry dough sit at room temperature 15 minutes to temper. Remove 6 rounds from package, keeping plastic divider underneath, and arrange on a work surface. Place 2 tbsp. filling in the center of each round. Top with 2 ol ive halves. Brush water around half of outer edge of each round. Using plastic divider to help you, fold round over filling and pinch edges to seal. Using a fork, crimp edges. Remove plastic and transfer empanada to a parchment-lined sheet tray, spacing 1” apart. Repeat with re maining rounds (about 12 empanadas on eachBaketray).empanadas, rotating tray halfway through, until golden brown and slight ly darker around the edges, 25-35 min utes. (Unbaked empanadas can be made 3 months ahead, and frozen on a sheet tray.)
(Note: Beef filling can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.)
SEPTEMBER 2022 Milestones 9 Presented by Friday, October 14 • 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon Lloyd Hall, 1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive One mile kick-off walk led by James Day & the Fish Fry Band • Health screenings Free t-shirts • Always Best Care health stage • Healthy snacks • DJ TICKETS ARE $5 AND MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE Contact: Zina.VanSciver@pcaCares.org or 215-765-9000, ext. 5055 or ext. 5086, or go to PCAcares.org/strut Supported by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Senior Strut A Health Event in the Park
Golden Health Services Dependable Home Care In Your Area! We provide care 24 hours per day, 7 days per week • Aging Waiver • ACT 150 • Attendance Care Waiver • Independence Waiver • OBRA Waiver • Community HealthChoices • Consolidated Waiver • LIFE (Living Independence For the Elderly) • Person/Family Directed Support Waiver • Personal Care • Bathing & Grooming • Companion • Respite Care • Meal Preparation • Medication reminders • Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care • Laundry & housekeeping,light • Shopping & Errands • Skilled Services: Nursing, Trach & Vent Care/ Continuous Care Services/Private Duty Nursing We accept Waivers, Medicaid, Medicare, VA & other Insurances. We do personalized free in-home assessment For more information, please call: 215-289-9005 • 866-223-3316 www.Goldenhealthservices.com PhiladelphiaofCourtesyARTZ
“We do absolutely everything we can to help people feel safe, welcomed, comfort able and joyful,” Shifrin said. *** For more information about ARTZ Philadelphia’s free programs, call 610721-1606 or go to ArtzPhilly.org.
ARTZ Philadelphia programs provided human interaction, beyond taking walks and going out for coffee. “It was a lot of stimulation, a lot of in teraction; it was very positive,” said Susan, 65, of Center City. “And it was something we could do together. I could make some comments about art. He could make some comments, and it felt closer to normal. He had a lot to say, at least in the beginning. There isn’t a lot out there like that.” Daniel was a drummer, so he had an ar tistic side. “Music was a huge part of his life,” she Equallysaid.valuable to Susan was the re spite and support she received from her peers. ARTZ Philadelphia offers conversa tion groups to provide support and com munity for caregivers who are in similar situations.“They’re going through the same thing,” she said. “When my husband was at home, they knew exactly everything I was talking about.”Besides being able to unburden herself, fellow members of ARTZ Philadelphia groups were able to share practical advice about what worked for them. “That made a big difference,” said Susan. By design, care partners find a different kind of support with ARTZ Philadelphia. “The goal of our programs is to stimulate care partners intellectually and to engage them creatively,” Shifrin said. “All the things we do with the people they’re car ing for also give them (a mental break), say, two hours where what they’re think ing about has nothing to do with illness.”
Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients. program helps people living with dementia
Milestones 12 SEPTEMBER 2022 Art
Sylvia M. paints a colorful pattern at an “ARTZ in the Making” program.
In addition to being an accessibility ad vocate, Shifrin is an art historian, curator and educator. She founded ARTZ Phila delphia after hosting a series of workshops and programs for visitors living with de mentia at the Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College, in Collegeville, where she was the museum’s educator for a number of “Ityears.showed me in a very palpable way the power of creating a safe space, a validating space and being able to have a common, shared experience,” Shifrin said. Prior to the pandemic, ARTZ Philadel phia served about 2,000 people living with dementia-related conditions and their caregivers each year. While taking tenta tive steps to establish safe, in-person pro gramming, much of ARTZ Philadelphia’s programs and resources are now online, allowing the organization to serve approx imately 8,000 people nationwide.
By Jay Nachman ARTZ Philadelphia is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to using group in teractions around arts and culture to en hance the quality of life and well-being of people living with dementia and their care partners, according to Susan Shifrin, who founded the organization in 2013. “Our mission is to reach anyone and ev eryone who is affected by dementia-relat ed conditions of any kind,” she said. ARTZ Philadelphia presents evi dence-based programs that connect peo ple who are living with dementia and those they love to artists and cultural or ganizations. These connections help build caring and supportive communities that restore and preserve the self-esteem and dignity of participants, regardless of their race, background, address or economic resources.“Forthose living with dementia, engag ing in the arts, whether it’s a visit to a mu seum or a concert, enhances the quality of their lives, inspires creativity, and empow ers self-expression and continued self-re alization,” Shifrin said. Through ARTZ Philadelphia programs, care partners of people living with de mentia rediscover the relationships with their loved ones. “They (care partners) see (their loved ones) in a very different setting. They see them responding to art. They see them offering insights, which are often extraordinary. And they remember, ‘oh, yes, this is what I love about this per son. I love his sense of humor. And he’s making everyone laugh.’” That was the experience of Susan (last name omitted for privacy) following the dementia diagnosis of her husband, Dan iel, who now lives in a care facility. “There’s not that much that a person with Alzheimer’s and a caregiver can do together,” she said.
SEPTEMBER 2022 Milestones 13 OPEN POSITIONS MAY INCLUDE: • Accountant II • Administrative Assistant | Secretary • Assessment Worker • Care Manager | CM Case Aide • Chief Operating Officer • Desk Reviewer • Director of Business Administration • Executive Administrator of HR • Firehouse Center Program Coordinator • Fleet Mechanic • Meal Distribution Center Manager • Older Adult Protective Services: Investigator | Nurse Investigator | Supervisor • Quality Assurance Manager • Scheduling Coordinator | Supervisor • Senior Center Supervisor • Service Coordinator • Share Housing Counselor • Support Clerk • Victim Support Program Coordinator BENEFITS: • Health Benefits • 13 Paid Holidays • Paid Sick/Vacation Leave • Tuition Reimbursement APPLY ONLINE: pcaCares.org/careers PCA CAREERS IN AGING SERVICES Getting smart about brain health
By Jay Nachman
According to the National Institute on Aging, as a person gets older, certain parts of the brain shrink, especially those important to learning and other complex mental activities. These changes in the brain can affect mental function, even in healthy older people. For example, some older adults may find that they don’t do as well as younger individuals on com plex memory or learning tests. However, if given enough time to learn a new task, they usually perform just as well. Needing that extra time is normal. There is grow ing evidence that the brain maintains the ability to change and adapt so that people can manage new challenges and tasks as theyDr.age.Serruya is working on developing wearable and implantable medical devic es to restore function following a stroke, which is the second leading cause of de mentia after Alzheimer’s disease. His work also tackles cognition by in vestigating new kinds of digital tools to help people with loss due to stroke, Alz heimer’s disease or other vascular diseas es, as well has head injuries, depression and sleep problems. One tool he is working on with collabo rators is a “Smart Prompt” study that uses digital reminders with voices that people find the most important to them, such as a family member.
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The timeline from laboratory research to patient use can take anywhere from 10 to 20 years for biomedical discoveries in drugs and devices. One important recent and underrecog nized discovery, which Jefferson Health calls Skills2Care, is an approved best prac iStock
The human brain is complex and com plicated. “We don’t fully understand the brain to begin with,” said Dr. Mijail Ser ruya, co-director of Jefferson’s Center for Neurorestoration. “The brain is still this huge unknown frontier, and there are many things we just don’t understand. To know how it changes with age and what’s normal and not normal, I don’t think any one really knows.” But there is hope. “Almost any neuro logic condition, brain injury or disease that you can think of, there are people working on it,” he said. Among Jefferson Health’s doctors, sci entists, clinicians and physician-scien tists there are experts on autism research, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injuries, strokes, cerebral palsy and muscular dys trophy. There also are bench scientists, who carry out experiments in a laborato ry, trying to uncover the molecular basis of these conditions. In laboratories, there are experiments “happening in a dish” with cells or non-hu man animal models. There are clinical tri als with human beings with various con ditions who are getting brain scans and getting new kinds of interventions.
tice caregiving program that has passed strict criteria. Rigorously and scientifically studied, Dr. Serruya said it involves an oc cupational therapist visiting the home and working with the individual and family members to problem solve and improve everyday function. Certain types of insur ance, including certain Medicare plans, may cover the program for six visits. “If that had been a pill, it would have been considered revolutionary in terms of being able to allow a person to continue living in their own home for another six months, another year, or another two or three years,” he said. When people ask Dr. Serruya for ad vice on how to help their brain, he recom mends five pillars of brain health.
Milestones wants to hear from YOU!
The first pillar is exercise. The American Heart Association states a person needs 150 minutes of out-of-breath aerobic ex ercise per week. “And no matter how old someone is, even if they’re 110, there is going to be some sort of activity that they can do safely that will give them an aero bic workout,” Dr. Serruya said. “Even if it’s seated, even if it’s chair yoga or whatever. And if they can’t get aerobic because of cardiac issues, they can at least usually do strengthening or range of motion. That’s proven over and over again to be more ef fective than taking medicine.”
Another pillar is sleep hygiene. You should have a regular sleep schedule and get enough hours of sleep at night, so that you wake up in the morning and don’t fall asleep in the middle of the day. A third pillar is diet. “We know that a healthy Mediterranean diet makes a big difference for brain health,” Dr. Serruya said. The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy and other countries that border the Mediterra nean Sea. Plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, are the foundation of the diet. Red meat and sweets are eaten onlyTheoccasionally.finaltwopillars are cognitive and social engagement. “Do what you enjoy doing, whether its Wordle, a crossword puzzle or Sudoku,” Dr. Serruya said. “Also good are lectures, playing music and read ing a book. The main thing is to engage the brain.”Humans are social beings. “It’s necessary for our brain health to be interacting with other people,” he said. “That is part of our biology, and the brain needs interaction. If we’re totally isolated, that’s not healthy for the brain. Those pillars of brain health are the key.” *** For more information about brain health, go to the National Institute of Aging’s website at nih.gov/health/topics/ brain-health.
Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.
Brain health
PCA reserves the right to not publish any submission; receipt may not be acknowledged; and submissions will not be returned. We welcome your story ideas, feedback and suggestions. (Story-specific comments or questions will be forwarded to the writ er.) Submissions of letters or articles for publication must be signed and dated and include your address and phone number. Submission constitutes permission to edit and publish in any form or medium. Send ideas, comments & submissions to: Attn: Milestones Editor PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: milestonesnews@pcaCares.org
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Milestones 14 SEPTEMBER 2022 MSI works with Service Coordinator s and Doctor's Offices C A L L U S N O W ! Phone: 800-777-6647 Fax: 610-521-7404 Online Referrals www.rpromise.com MSI Referral Form Name: Gender: Phone:Address: Email: Pull Ons Diapers Liners Gloves Bedpads Washcloths Barrier Creams Catheters Wound Care Products Incontinence supplies are covered under Medical Assistance Medical Supply Inc. Provider of Incontinence Supplies, Catheters and Wound Care Products Online Referrals: www.rpromise.com MSI offers Comfort and Quality products for Incontinence supplies MSI Specializes in Incontinence Supplies, Catheters and Wound Care Products. We have TENA products, as well as other TOP brands for incontinence. Phone: 800 777 6647 MSI helps Service Coordinators and Care Managers deal with doctor's offices and takes care of their participant's medical needs MSI is partnered with Medical assistance to provide Incontinence Supplies! MSI accepts Medicaid and Medicare recipients We are also partnered with most of the MCOs in Pennsylvania and some other states For Online referrals and sample requests, visit www.rpromise.com Mail this to 10 Poulson Ave. Essington PA, 19029 or Fax to 610 521 7404 (First Name) (Last Name)
Solution: The solution can be found on page 10. 1 Play opener 2 A Barrymore 3 Thanks ___! 4 Health food, for 5someFumbling for 6 “___ an arrow . . . ” 7 ___ about: circa 8 Start to nap 9 Hurry up! 10 “Live from ___” 11 Annelid 12 Chalet feature 13 presidentsFormer 18 Moran and Gray 19 Reliable 23 Sublease 24 Thong 25 Comic lead-in 26 Synthetic fiber 27 Is outshone 28 Space-age glue 29 Fresh 30 Salad years 32 Curtaining 35 Become 36 Tennis official 38 Bedspread 39 Drop in 41 First-rate 42 Enfranchised 44 Inveigled 45 Matty or Felipe 46 Regan’s father 47 Actress Jackson 48 Greek cheese 49 Legwear 50 This, for Pablo 51 Show life 53 Poetic word AcrossDown 1 Open some 5 Nuclear particles 10 Bird call 14 West of Kans. 15 Like probably___: 16 Con game 17 Wise words start 20 US cabinet post 21 Anjou apples 22 Allude 23 Function 24 Twine 27 Rueful 31 Bunkers 32 In force 33 Lenore poet 34 Leonard and Milland 35 Building posting 36 Wise words II 37 Bygone 38 Soothe 39 Foxy female 40 ’20s hairdo 42 Certain plastics 43 Queue 44 Get outscored 45 Soil sweetener 48 Grigris 52 Wise words end 54 Bran source 55 Plains Indian 56 Sparkling wine 57 ’34 Nobelistchemistry 58 Simian, for short 59 Low alcohol beer SEPTEMBER 2022 Milestones 15 Wise Words Crossword Tips on aging well in 2022 iStock Health Brief
The ability to age healthfully depends on how you invest in your body. Staying phys ically active, maintaining a well-balanced diet and being mentally alert will foster a comfortable healthy aging experience. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and fewer processed foods. Get a good night’s sleep. Try to set aside at least 15 minutes a day for exercise and another 15 for meditation or mindfulness exercises.
For Healthy Aging Month in September, here is some sage advice on ag ing well from the Forbes Health advisory board. Take care of your hearing Hearing plays a vi tal role in cognitive and overall health. Studies have linked hearing loss to dementia, anxiety, poor balance, social isolation, depression, low self-es teem, decreased alertness, and slower recall speed. Hearing well is crucial to maintaining an active, social and productive life style. To keep hearing well, limit exposure to excessively loud sounds. Get your hear ing checked regularly and get hearing help, if needed. Trade limits for rewards Start thinking less about your limitations and more about what activities are good for your physical and mental health. Getting outside and being active serves you well and helps reduce daily eye issues, like dry ness and eye fatigue. Instead of focusing on a negative association, reward yourself dai ly with an outdoor walk or exercise break where there is no screen and only natural light. Embrace telehealth User-friendly digital health technology can help keep us moving, connected and productive. Health care has embraced tele health and virtual care technologies to shift from in-person-only care delivery to a mix of virtual and in-person care. Tools, like virtual video visits, remote health monitor ing and e-consults with specialists, connect patients with their providers effectively and keep people healthy at home.
Maintain stimulation
The secret to aging well may be partici pating in activities, interests and relation ships that you enjoy; keeping your sense of humor; and staying cognitively stimulated. Continue to do the things that got you this far: take care of your body, develop and maintain relationships that matter, contin ue to learn and be intellectually challenged, contribute to the world and start each day with positivity. Take a balanced approach
Source: Forbes Health
