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
• Home-delivered meals
• Home repairs and modifications
• Protective services
• Senior centers
• Caregiver support
• Veteran-directed care
• Employment and volunteer programs
• Legal services
• Transportation
• Ombudsman services
• Health education
• Information and referral
Report suspected elder abuse 24/7 to the PCA Helpline: 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
Wilmarie Gonzalez
Sandra McNally
Paul Nathanson
Norma D. Thomas, D.S.W.
John Whitman
Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D.
Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.
Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 1,100 locations throughout Philadelphia.
Check us out online: pcaCares.org/ Milestones
Editor: Alicia M. Colombo 215-765-9000, ext. 5081 PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130
Celebrated every September, National Senior Center Month highlights the essential role senior community centers play in the health and well-being of older adults.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) supports 28 senior community centers and satellite meal sites located in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. Senior centers offer unique programming that promotes socialization and a healthy lifestyle through education, recreation, fitness activities and meals.
Older Philadelphians will find a warm welcome at any of these centers! I encourage you to visit several senior centers, including locations outside of your own neighborhood. Each center is different and has something special to offer participants.
As we recognize National Senior Center Month, we applaud all our centers for creating an experience of acceptance, kindness and love for one another that respects the diversity of the communities
we serve. We make it a priority to present programming that provides an engaging experience for older Philadelphians and fulfills them in mind, body and soul.
This issue of Milestones newspaper includes several articles highlighting senior community centers:
• Keepsake senior center map of all locations in Philadelphia (pages 8-9)
• Senior Center Spotlights: On Lok House (page 6) and Norris Square Senior Center (page 4)
• Feature story about Sharlene Waller, executive director of the Mayor’s Commission on Aging, who got her start in a senior center (page 7)
• Health Brief: Health and wellness programs offered at senior centers (page 15)
For more information about Philadelphia’s network of senior community centers, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers
Senior Center Spotlight: Celebrating culture and connection at Norris Square Senior Center
By Bill Conallen
At Norris Square Senior Community Center, you will find a vibrant older adult community engaged in many activities to assist them in remaining healthy through good food, friendships and strong connections.
Thousands of older Philadelphians find community and connection at the 28 PCA-funded senior community centers and satellite meal sites across the city. Senior centers offer a variety of programs, including wellness workshops, exercise classes, foreign language lessons, computer training, arts and crafts, all designed to foster friendships and lasting connections. Throughout the year, many of these centers host special events to empower older adults to embrace their diverse roots and celebrate together.
“Norris Square encourages our members to age in a healthy way that promotes socialization,” said the center’s manager, Wanda Mer-
cado. “They volunteer here, establish friendships and create a real sense of community, which is very important.”
Nearly 100 active, energetic older adults visit the center in North Philadelphia every weekday for hot lunches, spirited conversation, fun games, crafts, vigorous dancing, weekly mass, and other social services.
“When we retire, those connections are very important,” Mercado said. “Norris Square serves to keep our community together and thriving based on its unique needs.”
One of four senior centers run by Catholic Housing & Community Services (CHCS) in Philadelphia, Norris Square serves a mostly Latino community from Puerto Rican heritage.The center reflects this cultural communal spirit as residents gather to talk, dance and play dominoes. To reinforce members’ strong bonds, Spanish is the primary language spoken. Norris Square’s staff helps Spanish speakers translate and understand important documents.
One of the most popular offerings for older adults is a hot lunch, prepared by two cooks and volunteers, which enhances the collaborative spirit of the center. The tradition began 50 years ago when Carmen Aponte started feeding her Latino neighbors in a church basement, quickly growing to more than 200 people each meal.
The food reflects Puerto Rico’s rich cultural heritage present in the community, but also features African, Spanish and
Taino influences. By the early 1970s, the federal government established local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to aid older adults. CHCS (then Catholic Social Services) partnered with PCA, Philadelphia’s AAA, to establish Norris Square Senior Center in 1973. The Catholic Charities Appeal continues to be a significant funding source for Norris Square and other CHCS-affiliated senior centers.
“PCA is unwavering in its commitment to developing senior centers that foster an atmosphere of acceptance, acknowledging and celebrating the rich diversity within our communities,” said Jacqui Makowski, PCA’s senior center supervisor, who oversees the management of PCA-supported centers. “We strive to create inclusive spaces where all older adults from all backgrounds feel valued and supported. By embracing inclusion, we enrich the lives of older Philadelphians and strengthen the fabric of our entire community.”
Norris Square places a strong emphasis on exercise-related programming to ensure the health and vitality of the older adults it serves. Today, dance remains a major activity. The Grupo Alegria dance club (pictured on the cover) participates in Philadelphia’s annual Puerto Rican Day Parade and gathers weekly to keep moving, which is vital for good health.
“As people age, they often face feelings of isolation. Norris Square provides a second home where they find a sense of belonging and companionship,” Mercado said.
“We are dedicated to helping older adults age in place, remaining active and vibrant members of their communities for as long as possible. Norris Square plays a crucial role in this mission, especially in supporting our aging Latino community members.”
Celebrating the rich culture of Puerto Rico at Norris Square Senior Center
Norris Square Senior Community Center, located 2121 N. Howard St. in North Philadelphia, is open weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, stop by, call 215-423-7241 or go to chcsphiladelphia.org/senior-centers. To learn more about Philadelphia’s senior community centers, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org/senior-centers.
Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
Senior Center Spotlight: On Lok House – Comfort and community in Chinatown
By Bill Conallen
In the heart of Philadelphia’s vibrant Chinatown neighborhood, On Lok House stands as a pillar of support and community for older adults and people living with disabilities. Since 1985, this nonprofit organization has provided affordable housing, essential services, and a safe and nurturing environment for its residents.
On Lok Center serves a mostly older adult Asian community. The organization goes beyond mere accommodation, offering a culturally and linguistically sensitive space designed to enhance comfort and belonging for Chinese-speaking individuals. Emphasizing social engagement, the senior center at On Lok hosts a variety of programs and activities.
“At On Lok House, we believe in providing more than just housing. We strive to create a supportive network where every resident feels valued and respected,” said
ing karaoke, mahjong and social dance, attract more than 100 older adults annually. Other routine activities at On Lok senior center include information and assistance services, nutrition education, arts and crafts classes, counseling, and volunteer opportunities.
For older adults and individuals with disabilities in Philadelphia, On Lok House continues to uphold its longstanding mission of enhancing quality of life through compassionate service and a strong sense of community.
Come to On Lok House!
On Lok House, located at 219 N. 10th St. in Philadelphia’s Chinatown neighborhood, is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the center at 215-925-3118. To learn more about additional senior community centers located throughout the city, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers.
Jennifer Wang, On Lok House senior center director. “Our organization’s commitment to equality and dignity is evident in the personalized care and access to social service programs, ensuring that older adults lead fulfilling lives, even with financial or physical limitations.”
Located centrally in Chinatown, the senior center currently has about 1,600 registered members, geographically distributed throughout Philadelphia. The lunch program is the most popular activity at On Lok House, with about 55-65 members attending daily. Socialization draws more than 200 participants annually for planned activities, including teatime and reading programs. Health promotion is also a popular offering with 300 participants each year for varied activities, including armchair exercise, tai chi and line dancing.
Recreational activities, includ-
OLH hopes to extend its services and reach out to other older adults outside of Chinatown so that more of them can stay connected with the community outside of their homes.
Art classes are offered at On Lok House. This beautiful depiction of amaryllis is one such work of art created by a member of On Lok House.
Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
Meet the Mayor’s Commission on Aging new executive director: Sharlene Waller
By Alicia Colombo
Sharlene Waller is passionate about ensuring that the voices of older adults are heard and understood. In 1990, she began working at West Oak Lane Senior Center as a part-time receptionist. From the onset of being in the company of older adults, she knew aging services would be the career path for her.
“Everyone was so friendly and talkative,” Waller said. “It was fun. I enjoyed working with older adults. During my work at the senior center, I was always able to be the first person that people see when they walk in the door. I knew that I needed to be the most pleasant person, because you don’t know what’s going on in people’s lives outside of those doors.”
From these friendly conversations, Waller was able to get to know the members. An open door, welcoming policy is the first step to serving
peoples’ needs. “The most important thing about coming to the senior center is being part of a friendly environment. From there, older adults learn about and connect with resources that they would not know about if they stayed at home. Then, of course, the fun stuff. You came to enjoy your time so you can forget about your worries. Senior centers have so much to offer if people take advantage of it.”
When Waller started out, she did not have working in aging on her mind. But she learned along the way. “I grew in the senior center. Whenever there was an opportunity, I took it. Every two years I grew,” said Waller, who received her Bachelor of Human Services from Chestnut Hill College by attending classes at night and working at the center during the day.
From 2016 to 2024, Waller worked for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Democratic Caucus. She served first as chief of staff for the retired Isabella Fitzgerald and then for State Rep. Anthony Bellmon of the 203rd legislative district. In April, Waller was appointed by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker to the position of executive director of the Mayor’s Commission on Aging (MCOA).
“I’ve always wanted to be the voice for older adults,” said Waller.
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Experts in caregiving featured in PCA’s upcoming Regional Conference on Aging
Calling all aging network professionals and social workers to register now! CEUs available!
Join us from Tuesday, October 22 through Thursday, October 24, 2024, at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Annual Regional Conference on Aging, featuring leaders in the aging network and covering a wide range of subjects for professionals.
You won’t want to miss these two insightful sessions with renowned caregiving experts:
Dr. Allison J. Applebaum, Ph.D., FAPOS, will present “Stand by Me: Lessons Learned as a Family Caregiver and Caregiving Scientist” on Wednesday, October 23, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Dr. Applebaum’s research focuses on enhancing the well-being of cancer caregivers, exploring prognostic awareness, and improving communication for advance care planning.
Dr. Kiplee Bell, Founder & CEO of Impactful Caregiving, will deliver “The Culture of Caring: Examining Healthcare Delivery” on Tuesday, October 22, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Dr. Bell will discuss the critical role of interpersonal relationships among healthcare teams, families, and caregivers in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.
In addition, the conference will feature a panel of present and past Pennsylvania secretaries of aging, community advocates, and other leaders who will discuss timely issues impacting PA’s older adults and best practice strategies. Instructional sessions, for which continuing education credits are available, will cover a wide range of topics of interest to aging network professionals
Call 215-765-9000, ext. 5065 or email Thomas.Shea@pcaCares.org for more information.
Senior Center Map Legend
1. PCA’s Southwest Senior Center 6916 Elmwood Ave. | 215-937-1880
2. PCA’s Firehouse Active Adult Center 5331-41 Haverford Ave. | 215-472-6188
3. Star Harbor Senior Citizen Center 4700 Springfield Ave. | 215-727-0100
4. West Philadelphia Senior Community Center 1016-26 N. 41st St. | 215-386-0379
5. Marconi Older Adult Program 2433 S. 15th St. | 215-218-0800
6. PHA Wilson Park 2508 Jackson St. | 215-684-4895
7. St. Edmonds Senior Community Center 2130 S. 21st St. | 215-790-9530
8. PHA Cassie L. Holly Apartments Satellite 2100 Dickinson St. | 215-684-4891
9. South Philadelphia Older Adult Center 1430 E. Passyunk Ave. | 215-685-1697
10. Philadelphia Senior Center on the Avenue of the Arts & Asian Pacific Resource Center 509 S. Broad St. | 215-546-5879
11. On-Lok House 219 N. 10th St. | 215-925-3118
12. Martin Luther King Older Adult Center 2100 W. Cecil B. Moore Ave. | 215-685-2716
13. Northern Living Center 827 N. Franklin St. | 215-978-1300
14. Lutheran Settlement House Senior Center 1340 Frankford Ave. | 267-426-8610
15. Philadelphia Senior Center – Allegheny Branch 1900 W. Allegheny Ave. | 267-286-1455
16. Norris Square Senior Center 2121 N. Howard St. | 215-423-7241
17. Nativity BVM Senior Community Center 3255 Belgrade St. | 215-423-2772
18. Mann Older Adult Center 3201 N. 5th St. | 215-685-9844
19. Juniata Park Older Adult Center 1251 East Sedgley Ave. | 215-685-1490
20. Peter Bressi Northeast Senior Center 4744-46 Frankford Ave. | 215-831-2926
21. Center at Journey’s Way 403 Rector St. | 215-487-1750
22. PHA Emlen Arms 6733 Emlen St. | 215-684-5892
23. Center in the Park 5818 Germantown Ave. | 215-848-7722
24. West Oak Lane Senior Center 7210-18 Ogontz Ave. | 215-685-3511
25. Northeast Older Adult Center 8101 Bustleton Ave. | 215-685-0576
26. KleinLife: Rhawnhurst Satellite 2101 Strahle St. | 215-745-3127
This observance raises awareness on the physical and mental health of older adults and serves as a reminder that as we age, our minds and bodies change.
NATIONAL SENIOR CENTER MONTH
Serves as an opportunity to shine a light on senior centers, showing the entire nation how vital they are to the health and wellbeing of a community.
SEPTEMBER 2
LABOR DAY
SEPTEMBER 3
SENIOR STRENGTH TRAINING
This class, led by a certified instructor, combines hand weights, chair exercises along with cardio work to improve your fitness, strength, and balance. 3 p.m. Whitman Library. 215-685-1754 | Free
Send your calendar items two months in advance to: MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org Questions? Call 215-765-9000, ext. 5081.
SEPTEMBER 4
ZUMBA CLASS
Get your exercise in the fun way and try out our Zumba class! Zumba is a widely popular fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. 9:30 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
SEPTEMBER 5
COMPUTER SKILLS FOR BEGINNERS
Need computer help? Take a free digital skills workshop at the library! Learn how to use a computer, get online, and more. 2 p.m. Lillian Marrero Library. 215-685-9794 | Free
SEPTEMBER 6
PHILADELPHIA JAZZ TAP ENSEMBLE: LIBRARY POP-UP
Throughout American history, tap dancers and jazz musicians created alongside each other and still influence each other today. Learn more through a jazz tap demonstration. Noon. Parkway Central Library. 215-6865316 | Free
SEPTEMBER 7
CITIZENSHIP: PRIVILEGES, RIGHTS, AND RESPONSIBILTIES
Learn about your basic rights and responsibilities as a citizen. Part 1 of the Power Up! Civics & Citizenship Month Programming. 11 a.m. Lillian Marrero Library. 215-685-9794 | Free
SEPTEMBER 8
BRAZILIAN DAY FESTIVAL
Celebrate the diversity in Philadelphia with a series of cultural festivals presented by PECO. 1-7 P.M. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. 215-922-2FUN | Free
SEPTEMBER 9
COOKING CLASS
Come check out our weekly cooking class! Each week participants learn to cook a new healthy dish, try it, and take home the recipe. 10 a.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
SEPTEMBER 8
GRANDPARENTS DAY
SEPTEMBER 10
CHESS CLUB
Are you looking for a place to play chess, or are you interested in learning how to play? Join us! 4 p.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5316 | Free
SEPTEMBER 12
YOGA FOR OLDER ADULTS
This class is for all levels of practice and beginners are welcome. Bring your own mat or use one of ours. 3:30 p.m. Whitman Library. 215-685-1754 | Free
SEPTEMBER 13
SHAKESPEARE’S FAREWELL: A SECOND LOOK AT THE BARD’S LAST GREAT PLAY
Shakespeare was 47 years old and near the end of his career as a playwright when he wrote The Tempest. Experts will discuss its merits. 11 a.m. Parkway Central Library. 215-686-5331 | Free
SEPTEMBER 15
MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL
Join the celebration at this fun-filled festival featuring traditional Mexican artisan crafts, performances, as well as children’s activities, tasty food from local restaurants, and much more. 2-8 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. 215-922-2FUN | Free
SEPTEMBER 15 TO OCTOBER 15
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
SEPTEMBER 16
HEALTH DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Staff members from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) will be sharing information on immunizations and handing out masks, Covid-19 tests, and hand sanitizers. 11 a.m. Philadelphia City Institute. 215-685-6621 | Free
SEPTEMBER 17
CONSTITUTION DAY CELEBRATION
The Center celebrates the opening of its newest gallery, The First Amendment, with a series of programs and events highlighting the history and meaning of the amendment. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. National Constitution Center. 215-409-6600 | Free
SEPTEMBER 17
WHYY BRIDGING BLOCKS: PUBLIC EDUCATION
Join WHYY News and the Bridging Blocks program for a conversation on public education. Do not miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and contribute to a pivotal discussion. 4:30 p.m. Fox Chase Library. 215-685-0547 | Free
SEPTEMBER 19
QIGONG CLASS
Join us for Qigong classes! Qigong is a system of coordinated body-posture and movement, breathing, and meditation used to optimize energy within the body, mind, and spirit. 1 p.m. Lutheran Settlement House. 215-426-8610 | Free
SEPTEMBER 23
COMMUNITY GAME NIGHT
Enjoy board games? Looking to socialize? Meet up with neighbors? Have fun and bring your favorite board games. 5:30 p.m. Falls of Schuylkill Library. 215-685-2093 | Free
SEPTEMBER 24
ENHANCED FITNESS CLASS
Exercise is a whole lot of fun in this evidence-based enhanced fitness exercise program. Participants are led by a certified instructor in an hour-long class focused on dynamic cardiovascular exercise, strength training, balance, and flexibility. 9 a.m. Center on the Hill. 215-848-7722 | Free
SEPTEMBER 25
BINGO GAME
Feeling lucky? Join us for fun and engaging bingo games. Bingo boards and chips are provided. 12 noon. MLK Older Adult Center. 215-685-2715 | Free
SEPTEMBER 26
2024 ELECTION RESOURCE MEETING
Have you ever wondered how the election system works in Philadelphia? The Philadelphia City Commissioners’ Office will be on hand to answer your questions regarding how elections work. 1 p.m. Northeast Regional Library. 215-685-0509 | Free
SEPTEMBER 30
POTTERY CLASS
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, our pottery class offers a welcoming environment to explore your creativity and create beautiful, functional pieces. 10 a.m. Center on the Hill. 215-848-7722 | Free
Stop Senior Scams: Beware of celebrity impersonators, product endorsements
By Jeremy Rodriguez
You get a surprise message from George Clooney in your inbox. Since you’re a big fan, he is sending you a message from his private social media account to give you a roundtrip ticket to his movie premiere. However, there are some stipulations. For example, you may need to wire him money for your airfare, so the trip is booked in your name. But he promises to reimburse you the cost. He may be asking for money to donate to his charity. Perhaps, he says he doesn’t have access to his funds and needs help paying for an emergency expense.
Messages like this may seem like an obvious scam to some people, but celebrity imposters send thousands of messages out to potential victims with the hopes of fooling at least one person. The truth is that George Clooney, or any other wellknown celebrity, does not need to ask anyone for money, especially not a stranger. If you are commu-
nicating with someone online who claims to be a celebrity, it is most likely a scammer.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends pausing first before sending any money to anyone. Talk to someone you trust first. Additionally, do some research into any potential charities you would like to support. Furthermore, never send personal information, money or gift cards to someone you have not met in person.
You should also report these con artists to the social media platform through which you were contacted and to the FTC at 1- 877-382-4357 or ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Impersonator scams can also include fraudulent sales of products using a well-known person’s name, photo or likeness. Companies may try to sell products, such as premium cookware or weight-loss pills, by stating that they are endorsed by a high-profile celebrity. If you see something like this, the
FTC recommends researching the product and company to verify its authenticity prior to making an online purchase.
Resist the urge to act quickly on a purchase labeled as a “limited-time offer” or any other pressure-based sales tactic. Scammers don’t want you to take time to do research or think before making purchases.
To help you determine whether a product is actually celebrity-endorsed, the FTC recommends the following:
• Go directly to the source. Don’t click on a link or ad.
• Don’t trust miraculous claims. The government doesn’t approve or evaluate supplements and vitamins for safety or effectiveness before they’re put on the market. Your health care professional is the most important person to ask whether a supplement is safe for you. Even a natural supplement can be risky depending on your health and the medicines you take. Learn more about common health scams at ftc.gov/MiracleHealth.
• Approach celebrity testimonials with caution. Look for product reviews on your own. Search for the product online using the words “scam” or “review” to see what others are saying about the product.
Jeremy Rodriguez is a freelance journalist, blogger, editor and podcaster.
NEIGHBOR
• Brown Bag Medicine Review: Bring your medications for insights on their purposes, side effects, and
interactions.
• Blood Pressure Checks
• Community Vendors
• Door Prizes
• Free Healthcare Provider Consultations
• Glucose Screenings
• Heel Scans for Bone Density
• Infection Prevention/Handwashing Education
• Medication Take Back
• Refreshments
• Stroke Education
• Wound Care Information Join us at 5800 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128 (Rector Street parking lot) - rain or shine!
Health and Wellness Expo is hosted by State Representative
It’s going to be an unforgettable day - see you there!
Nancy Morrow speaks on being a ‘Bright Star of Aging’
are most invested in creating change within community organizing are older adults. Morrow noted that this demographic has a wealth of information that can be invaluable to organizing work and in workplaces.
wonderful job in creating that whole network of services and providing care and support to older people who need it.”
By Jeremy Rodriguez
Nancy Morrow feels strongly about combating issues related to aging, whether it’s related to schools of social work, in services for older adults or in the health care field.
“We need to advocate that older people are not lesser than younger adults,” Morrow said. “In my view, older people are often better versions of themselves because they’ve had experience, they’ve learned, they’ve changed, they’ve adapted. So, I think we need to honor older people. We need to recognize the tremendous resiliency of older people. Getting older isn’t easy in many ways but most older people are resilient, and they’ve got tremendous capacities and strengths. To see aging as just a trajectory that’s going downhill is a terrible way to think about older people. Older people learn new things. They do new things; they take on new challenges.”
In fact, the primary people who
Morrow advocates for older adults throughout all her work, including as a consultant and trainer for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), as strategic development director for Connectedly (formerly the Supportive Older Women’s Network), and as a lecturer at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice. To recognize her accomplishments, PCA’s Emergency Fund Coalition recently presented Morrow with the Bright Star of Aging Award. She called it “the honor of a lifetime” to receive this award, especially because it was awarded by people she has worked with and respected for nearly 40 years.
Her advocacy work dates to the 1980s with the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA) in 1987, which she was instrumental in creating. This act mandates reporting requirements on suspected abuse of older adults. Morrow said this law created connections between local Area Agencies on Aging (such as PCA) and direct services, such as legal assistance and behavioral health counseling.
“OAPSA established an entire system statewide to help older people who are at risk of serious harm — neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation — and (give them) access to services and supports,” Morrow said. “That was not existent before. It has done a
More recently, Morrow has been doing work to educate younger generations on issues related to aging. She has secured several grants from the John A. Hartford Foundation to provide geriatric enrichment to social work education at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy & Practice.
“Sadly, in many schools of social work, there is not a lot of focus on working with older adults,” Morrow said. “Many social-work students are not interested in working with older people. Something I feel sort of strongly about, and had to campaign about is to help students understand and see the wonderful world of working with older people.”
Morrow finds working with older people to be clinically challenging and interesting.
“I can’t think of another group that’s as interesting in terms of the interplay between their physical health issues that are occurring due to their aging process, their cognitive issues, and their behavioral health or mental health issues that may be happening. They’re dealing with many losses — loss of spouse, job and sense of feeling productive, as well as loss or changes in housing. They’re dealing with all of that. There’s also lots of issues around policy areas that are fascinating — Social Security, Medicare, and what’s happening with our other health systems and health insurances. All of that is, to me, really interesting.”
Morrow said that once students
are exposed to working with older adults, they end up getting interested in the idea of working with them as a career. This exposure can come in the form of working in senior centers, visiting older adults in their homes and other opportunities that grants have helped provide.
Looking ahead, Morrow said there is still much work that needs to be done for older adults. This includes abolishing problematic language to describe older people, such as “old fogey” or “greedy geezer,” and acknowledging the value that older adults bring to their community.
“Let’s provide older adults with opportunities to use their skills and knowledge,” Morrow said. “Let’s have more programs where older people can volunteer or even be paid, maybe a small stipend, where we can use all those skills and demonstrate to other people that when someone might be 80 years old, they’re still very capable. The older people I talk to are ready and willing and would be thrilled to have more opportunities where they could contribute and feel valued.”
(See page 15 for crossword)
Jeremy Rodriguez is a freelance journalist, blogger, editor and podcaster.
Najja R. Orr, PCA president and CEO, presents the Bright Star of Aging award to Nancy Morrow at this past summer’s Emergency Fund luncheon.
(Continued from Page 7)
“I want to make sure they are heard, that they have the resources they need, and that we are providing all things to all people in the city of Philadelphia.”
Waller’s goal for the MCOA is to make Philadelphia age-friendly by partnering with local businesses and non-profit organizations to create public spaces, as well as engaging in community outreach and education to raise awareness about the needs of older Philadelphians and services and the services available to them.
Through her role as executive director of MCOA, Waller will work collaboratively with Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), as well as serve on its Board of Directors. Both MCOA and PCA share a mission to improve the quality of life for older Philadelphians.
MCOA manages the Senior
“It’s all a part of the mayor’s initiative to make Philadelphia safer, greener, cleaner and to provide economic opportunities for all,” she said. “We are ensuring that Philadelphia is a great place to grow old. It is an all-inclusive approach. That is what we must do as Philadelphians. It’s for ALL people. Philadelphia is the place where people come to not only play and have fun, but to live cohesively.”
Community Service Employment Program, which is federally funded through PCA, to provide older adults with job training to eventually go to unsubsidized jobs.
“I am there for the strategic planning and the hard conversations that need to be had to make sure that we’re getting as many resources to older adults,” Waller said. “We’re building connections with organizations to make sure we get everything we need to grow, learn and develop our older adult population. Independence is so important.”
The basic goal is to make sure that everyone is growing old
gracefully. “We make Philadelphia a welcoming and supportive city for all ages,” she said. “Residents, as well as tourists, need to feel comfortable. We’re showing them that it can be safe to go outside again.”
Mayor’s Commission on Aging: Empowering and supporting Philadelphia’s older adults
Philadelphia has been declared an Age-Friendly Livable Certified City by AARP. The Mayor’s Commission on Aging (MCOA) is committed to making Philadelphia a better place for people of all ages through the following goals:
• Creating accessible environments: Working with city planners to ensure public spaces, transportation and buildings are accessible to all.
• Promoting social inclusion: Encouraging intergenerational activities and community engagement to combat social isolation among older adults.
• Enhancing safety: Collaborating with local authorities to ensure neighborhoods are safe for older adults.
• Encouraging lifelong learning: Providing opportunities for older adults to engage in educational and recreational activities that foster continuous growth and development.
The MCOA provides a range of services to meet the needs of older Philadelphians:
• Access to local benefits and programs.
• Employment and financial services.
• Access to food and meal delivery.
• Health and senior centers.
• Housing security (foreclosure prevention).
For more information or assistance, contact the Mayor’s Commission on Aging at 215-686-8450; MCOAinfo@phila.gov; 1401 JFK Blvd., 16th Floor (by appointment); or Phila.gov/aging.
Alicia Colombo is editor of Milestones.
Senior centers empower older adults to age well All Aboard
Philadelphia’s senior centers deliver vital connections that support healthy aging with diverse programs that offer a vibrant, action-packed combination of fitness, learning and socialization.
Philadelphia’s network of 28 PCA-funded senior centers and satellite meal sites offer a community nexus where older adults find information and activities to support health and wellness as they age. These healthy offerings include:
• Nutritious meals served in a communal setting each weekday.
• Exercise classes and onsite fitness equipment.
• Nutrition presentations and cooking demonstrations.
• Health screenings and wellness classes.
• Socialization, support groups and counseling.
Evidence-based health and wellness workshops empower older adults to achieve their maximum levels of health by offering information, educa-
tion, screenings and self-management skills. Topics include chronic disease management, chronic pain management, diabetes management, falls prevention, balance and strength.
More than 20,000 active, older Philadelphians find opportunities for growth and engagement at Philadelphia’s senior community centers each year. Older adults who seek connections are offered fun activities, along with providing practical tools and resources to help them stay healthy and independent.
National Senior Center Month in September emphasizes the tremendous potential that senior centers deliver in their communities, including programming that empowers older adults to holistically age well and strengthen the mind, body, spirit and community connections.
To learn more about Philadelphia’s senior community centers, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org/SeniorCenters. To find the location of a senior center near you, see pages 8-9.
