Milestones Newspaper March 2023

A Publication of

PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

March 2023

Free

IN THIS ISSUE

LISA THOMAS-LAURY: STORY OF PERSEVERANCE

P4 MEAL PROGRAMS PROVIDE FOOD, SOCIAL CONNECTION

P7 SOCIAL WORKERS: THE HELPING PROFESSION

EAT WELL TO NOURISH YOUR BODY & SOUL Food is the foundation for good health. National Nutrition Month is a time to explore new ways to enhance meals and enjoy eating.

P14

March 2023

Milestones 2

Social work breaks barriers

By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA PCA president & CEO PHILADELPHIA CORPORATION FOR AGING

WHAT IS PCA?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a nonprofit agency 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 • Employment and volunteer programs • Legal services • Transportation • Ombudsman services • Health education • Information and referral

For more information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.

Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA 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 A. Bove, Esq. Louis Colbert Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq. Lynn Fields Harris Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., FACOFP Sandra McNally Paul Nathanson John Whitman Eloise N. Young Jacqueline S. Zinn, Ph.D. Emeritus: Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M.

Call 24/7 to report suspected elder abuse.

PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 Outside Philadelphia toll-free: 888-215-765-9041 (TDD) pcaCares.org

Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 1,100 locations throughout Philadelphia, Lower Bucks and Eastern Montgomery counties.

Check us out online: pcaCares.org/Milestones 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

The views expressed in Milestones are not necessarily those of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).

Milestones will not knowingly accept or publish fraudulent or misleading advertising. Milestones reserves the right to edit, revise or reject ads. Milestones assumes no responsibility for errors, misprints, omissions or misinformation; for failure to publish an ad; or for any damages of any kind. Neither the publisher nor any other party is rendering expert advice in this publication. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced without the permission of PCA. ©2023 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.

I started my career in social services more than 20 years ago, working with behavioral health consumers and children. At the time, my grandmother’s health started failing. She and I were always close, and I saw what she went through. When she passed, I decided to dedicate my career and time to supporting older adults.

I wanted to be there for any other loved one in my life, and for that matter, any older person navigating the very complex long-term year’s theme because social workers are the services and supports system. I wanted to be frontline staff who navigate societal and systhere for them and make the system better. So, temic challenges to provide individuals with in 2002, I started working at Bucks County the resources they need to thrive within their Area Agency on Aging as a care manager. I was communities.

Social work is emfortunate to become powerment.

Social the agency’s director in The primary mission of social work is 2011. It was then that to enhance human well-being and help work is comfort. Social I began collaborat- meet basic and complex needs of all work is advocacy, esing with Philadelphia people, with a particular focus on those pecially for those who Corporation for Aging who are vulnerable, oppressed and living are unable to or unsure (PCA). I started at PCA in poverty. Social workers are dedicated of how to advocate for in 2017 as Chief Strate- to seeking complete equality and social themselves.

Each year, PCA helps gy Officer and assumed justice for all communities and helping thousands of older Philmy current role as Pres- people achieve their own potential. Each ident and CEO in April day, social workers help break down adelphians and adults 2020. barriers that prevent people from living living with disabilities Social work is an more fulfilling, enriched lives. They work to use their strengths amazing, helping pro- on the individual level, helping people and available resources fession that makes con- overcome personal crises, like food to live their best, most nections for those who insecurity, lack of affordable housing, or independent lives.

Every day, PCA tries need assistance. And I limited access to good health care. am so humbled to work ~ National Association of Social Workers to break down barriers to ensure that we do with such a tremendous our part to support all group of caring and supportive individuals at older adults, especially those who are victims PCA, who are dedicated to its mission of improving the quality of life for older Philadel- of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and phians and people with disabilities and assist- abandonment. Our goal is to eliminate elder ing them in achieving their maximum level of abuse entirely.

Together, we can honor social workers by health, independence and productivity. making sure that we have adequate resourcPCA joins the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in recognizing Nation- es to meet the needs of a growing older adult al Social Work Month in March 2023. NASW population in Philadelphia. PCA will persist selected “Social Work Breaks Barriers” as this in removing barriers to improve the lives and preserve the dignity of those we serve.

Funded by PCA

Milestones 4

Philadelphia broadcaster Lisa Thomas-Laury: A story of perseverance

By Bill Conallen Lisa Thomas-Laury’s story begins in the small town of Institute, West Virginia, where she was known as Lisa Howard. She was the oldest of four children. Her mother, Blossom, was a social worker. Her father, Thomas Howard, served in the Air Force and worked at the chemical plant in town.

It was during this early part of her life when a strong work ethic and commitment to details was instilled upon her.

Thomas-Laury’s lifelong passion for broadcasting began during her time as a student at Marshall University in the early 1970s. While in college, she landed her first job in television broadcasting as a weather reporter for the NBC affiliate in Huntington, West Virginia.

Her career in Philadelphia begin in 1978 when she competed for the position with fellow journalist Oprah Winfrey and secured the job as anchor of the noon news on 6abc.

Upon obtaining the position over Winfrey, Thomas-Laury reflected on the prejudices that existed within the media: “It was more than obvious that a significant reason why I got the job and my appeal to management at 6abc was that I was African American but didn’t look ‘too black.’”

Thomas-Laury made it her mission to not only be the hardest working journalist in the room but to also pave the way for those who would follow. “We have come a long way since my start in Philadelphia, and I am encouraged by the diversity that exists throughout news media today and the potential for further growth,” she said.

In 1983, when Action News 5 o’clock anchor Jim O’Brien died tragically in a skydiving accident, Thomas-Laury was promoted to the highly watched news hour. Thereafter, Thomas-Laury co-anchored the evening news for the next 19 years with fellow journalist Marc Howard. She established herself as one of the Delaware Valley’s most

trusted news sources and became a staple in millions of homes throughout the Delaware Valley. Throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, Thomas-Laury hosted WPVI’s award-winning monthly public affairs program, “Fast Forward.” She also hosted special events, including Philadelphia’s annual Thanksgiving parade, and reported from London, England on the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

For many years, Thomas-Laury comfortably juggled marriage, raising two sons and a busy broadcasting career.

Then in 2001, she started to feel pain in her legs and feet while powerwalking.

It was determined that she had lost 30% of the strength in her ankles. Doctors suspected she had a rare blood disorder, known as POEMS syndrome.

Later, seeking a second opinion, other specialists disagreed with this original diagnosis, and wrongly concluded that Thomas-Laury was suffering from a chronic neurological inflammatory disorder, called CIDP. She struggled for two years, while physicians continued to investigate the cause of her symptoms and searched for the best course of treatment.

By late 2003, she was unable to walk and had to use a wheelchair. Her internal organs were starting to shut down.

Her vocal cords were paralyzed, as were some of the nerves in her digestive tract stripping her of her iconic voice that so many had come to recognize.

Thomas-Laury was finally able to find some relief in 2004, when she went to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Doctors there determined that she was indeed suffering from POEMS syndrome. She received a bone-marrow transplant, using her own good marrow, and several rounds of chemotherapy.

The arduous health challenges she’s faced have given her a deep understanding of the importance of having strong advocates. She is married to Dr.

William Laury, an internal medicine specialist, yet she struggled to find the correct diagnosis and treatment for her condition. “I wonder about older adults in South Philly, West Philly or North Philly who very likely don’t have the access to the same resources I have,” Thomas-Laury said. “How will they know how to advocate for themselves?

How will they know where to turn in their time of need? Aging is anything but a burden; it’s a precious opportunity to make the most of life and contribute to the world.”

Thomas-Laury, now 68, is a role model for active aging with chronic health conditions. For this reason, she was selected, along with fellow former 6abc newscaster Vernon Odom, to be co-grand marshal of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) 50th anniversary celebration in 2023.

“PCA has been dedicated to supporting and empowering older Philadelphians and to enhancing their quality of life,” she said. “Through its comprehensive range of services, older adults can age with dignity. I have had more than a few allies in my corner over the course of my career and health struggles, so those supported by PCA and their own stories of perseverance are incredibly personal.”

It took Thomas-Laury more than a year to recover from her illness. Before she could return to work, she had to overcome an addiction to the prescription medication she took for the unbearable pain throughout her legs, feet, and ankles.

“It is important to let people know that it is okay not to be okay,” Thomas-Laury said. “Addiction to prescription painkillers is reaching epidemic proportions and impacts people of all ages. Community advocates, like PCA, serve as a reminder that there are people who care about doing good for those who may need help.”

Action News viewers were thrilled

March 2023

when Thomas-Laury was able to return to work part-time in 2007, and she was overcome by the number of viewers who supported her recovery.

“I realize what a powerful community and connection we have throughout the city of Philadelphia,” said Thomas-Laury, who retired in 2016. “That is why I was so glad to join the PCA family to champion its stellar track record of providing community and connection to older adults and individuals with disabilities. We all need to have allies in our corner, and PCA has been just that for 50 years.”

Meet Lisa Thomas-Laury

Come meet former WPVI-TV news anchor and co-grand marshal for PCA’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Lisa Thomas-Laury, on Thursday, April 13, from 1:30-3:00 p.m., at Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave. The Emmy award-winner, who broke barriers as one of the first Black anchors in the country, will discuss her journey of living with a rare disease and navigating the complex healthcare system.

She’ll offer suggestions to others with similar challenges and how she maintains a positive outlook on life despite the obstacles it sometimes brings. In her own words, “It’s about never giving up or losing hope.”

Space is limited. Register at 215-7659000, ext. 5055. or LisaThomasLaury. eventbrite.com Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

March 2023

Milestones 5

Women’s health starts with good nutrition

By Jay Nachman When it comes to nutrition, there is no moral compass on food. There are no good or bad foods. That’s the advice of most nutrition experts, including Philadelphia-based registered dietitian and licensed nutritionist Alexis Newman.

“We’re made to enjoy food,” Newman said. “I highly believe that whatever you eat, you should be enjoying.

Balanced nutrition is really just trying to figure out how to fit in food depending on the individual.”

Newman’s rule of thumb is to try to have well-balanced meals throughout the day and to make sure there is protein at every meal. “As you get older, it’s really important to make sure you’re getting enough protein,” she said. “As we age, our muscle strength diminishes, and protein can really help build more muscle and to help maintain the muscle you have.”

In addition, women’s bone mass lessens as they age, so they should also have a diet rich in calcium, she said.

Good nutrition comes down to eating well-balanced meals. Newman recommends filling half your plate with vegetables, a serving of protein about the size of your palm and a fistful of carbohydrates.

According to the U.S. Department

of Health and Human Services’ healthy eating guidelines, “older adults are at greater risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, as well as health conditions related to changes in muscle and bone mass, such as osteoporosis. The good news is that this population can mitigate some of these risks by eating nutrient-dense foods and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and dairy improves diet quality — as does cutting down on added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.”

In addition to the loss of muscle mass and bone density that occurs as people age, a person’s sense of thirst diminishes, according to Philadelphia registered dietitian Claudia Hleap, who is also a licensed nutritionist in the state.

“Many people are dehydrated, and this is something that may affect your appetite, energy level and mood,” Hleap said. “One of the main reasons for hospitalization of older adults is dehydration. This is another thing that I encourage women and men of all ages to pay attention to, especially as they grow older. As you age it becomes more important because it’s easier to forget about drinking water when you don’t feel thirsty.”

A major challenge for women when it comes to eating healthfully and los-

ing weight is menopause. After a woman’s hormone levels change in mid-life, many women experience weight gain or an inability to lose weight. “What is important is for women to have a healthy relationship with food and their bodies,” Hleap said.

Additionally, there are a lot of harmful expectations about women’s bodies that don’t align with reality. There’s a pressure to look a way that, for most women, is not healthy because of genetics, muscle mass or body type.

This thinking “just instills a chronic sense of guilt and shame … that women need to be working on their weight, and they need to look differently,” Hleap said. “From a health perspective that is not the case at all.”

Newman also noted that thinness is not a marker for women’s health. “It’s important to look at your lab work and your fitness ability,” she said. “Are you

able to go up and down the stairs without getting out of breath? Is your diet varied? Are you eating enough fiber?

Women are often afraid of eating certain foods. So, I really work on demystifying what is in a bowl of ice cream and what are in some of the other ‘forbidden’ foods.”

Most nutritionists say the key to long-term health is to make sustainable eating and lifestyle changes, as opposed to doing anything extreme, like dieting. Calorie restriction may produce quick results that don’t last very long because women feel deprived, so they revert to old eating habits. Instead, women should make small changes, like drinking water instead of soda or eating more produce and experimenting with different foods to keep feeling full and excited about eating.

Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.

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March 2023

Milestones 7

Meal programs provide nourishment, socialization to older adults

By Bill Conallen Access to healthy and nutritious meals is essential to the well-being of older adults. Since 1973, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) has provided more than 43.5 million nutritious meals to older adults. Meals are served in congregate settings at 28 senior community centers and satellite meal sites across Philadelphia, as well delivered to the homes of older adults who cannot shop or cook for themselves.

The Senior Nutrition Program (SNP), which funds PCA’s congregate and home-delivered meals programs, was among the first services provided under the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965. SNP was the first federal program to tackle the issue of senior malnutrition by creating nutritious meal options for older Americans. Today, nearly one million meals are distributed each day through 5,000 providers in the United States with the goal

of reaching older Americans with the greatest need due to financial and social obstacles.

“Our congregate and home-delivered meal programs provide invaluable access to healthy food and socialization, whether at home or a senior center, that many older adults would not otherwise have,” said Bea Winn, PCA’s assistant director of health and nutrition. “It is a very satisfying experience knowing that we are helping older Philadelphians to meet their basic needs so they can thrive within our community.”

Along with nourishing meals, PCA also educates older adults by providing reliable information that includes nutritional counseling, assessment, and screenings. According to Winn, PCA also holds itself to strict nutritional requirements that are healthy and suitable for older adults. No detail goes overlooked. All meals are monitored for the correct amount of nutrients to support healthy aging, including calories, carbohydrates, sodium, and essen-

tial vitamins.

Just as importantly, these meals also provide older adults with opportunities for social activities and personalized education that may not have been previously available to them. When the pandemic forced senior centers to temporarily adopt a grab-and-go method for meal distribution, that small moment of personal interaction offered older adults a brief respite from the isolation many felt during those challenging times.

“Our senior centers serve as the perfect location for older adults to access healthy nutrition, as well as take part in educational workshops, fitness sessions and recreational opportunities,” said Paulette Cunningham, director of PCA’s Southwest Senior Center. “That is why all our senior centers consistently strive to create an experience of acceptance, kindness, and

love for one another that respects the diversity of the communities we serve.

At the same time, we make it a priority to present programming that provides engaging experiences for older Philadelphians that fulfill their body, mind and soul.”

(Continued on page 13)

(See page 15 for crossword)

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Events

Send your calendar items to MilestonesNews@pcaCares.org by the 25th of the month (for publication in two months) Questions? 215-765-9000, ext. 5081

February 2023

MARCH 1-31 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Philadelphia celebrates the achievements of women past at present at events throughout the city. Witness moving performances at the National Liberty Museum’s Poetry Slam (March 9: 215925-2800 | LibertyMuseum.org). Support local Black-owned women’s businesses at the Sisterhood Sit-In Philly Trolley Tour (Marhc 4, 11, 18 25: WeAreMuchDifferent. com).

MARCH 7 COMPUTER CLASS

Digital skills workshop teaches how to use a computer, get online & more. 2 p.m.

Northeast Regional Library. 215-685-0522 | Free

MARCH 7 SENIOR STRENGTH TRAINING

MARCH 11 CULTUREFEST! CELEBRATE WOMEN ARTISTS & CREATIVES

Enjoy a day-long celebration of female creativity, including live pottery wheel throwing demos, dance performances & a powerful performance by choral musicians from the Marian Anderson Museum & Sister Cities. 10 a.m. Penn Museum. 215-898-4000 | $18

Strength & conditioning class for older adults MARCH 12 combines weights, resistance bands & cardio DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS: SPRING work. 2:30 p.m. Whitman Library. 215-685FORWARD 1754 | Free

MARCH 4-12 PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW

This year’s theme, “The Garden Electric,” features breathtaking displays by premier floral & landscape designers. Opens each MARCH 10 day at 10 a.m. Pennsylvania Convention Center. 215-988-8800 | $43.50 |phsonline. CREDIT WORKSHOP Personal finance workshop will provide a org toolkit to help improve your personal credit score. 1 p.m. Whitman Library. 215-6857671 | Free

MARCH 12 250th PHILADELPHIA ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE Nation’s 2nd oldest annual parade dating back to 1771. Starts at 11 a.m. from 16th St. & JFK Blvd., down Market Street to 6th Street. TV coverage: The CW Philly 57 from 12-3 p.m. 267-237-2953 | Free | PhillyParade.com

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MARCH 13 LINE DANCING

Learn from the best & perfect your steps while having fun. 12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | Free

MARCH 14 ENHANCE FITNESS CLASS

All-levels exercise program designed for older adults, 11 a.m. Journey’s Way. 215-487-1750 | Free

MARCH 15 FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

1-3 p.m. Nicetown-Tioga Library. 215685-9790 | Free

MARCH 21 COMPUTER CLASS

Do not get frustrated by complicated applications with expert guidance from trained technicians. 12:30 p.m. Star Harbor Senior Community Center. 215-727-0100 | Free

MARCH 22 PASSOVER SEDER

Gather for this retelling of one of the most important pieces of Jewish history meant to be shared with family & friends during a traditional Seder with musical accompaniment. 10:30 a.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | Free

Enjoy a variety of Irish-themed activities & food at this special celebration.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Star Harbor Senior Community Center. 215-727-0100 | Free

MARCH 22 TO APRIL 21 RAMADAN

Learn from an expert knitter how to cast on stitches & basic knitting techniques.

12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia. 215-698-7300 | Free

Identify & reduce barriers to connect with vital community services. 1-4 p.m.

Logan Library. 215-685-9156 | Free

MARCH 28 LAWYERS IN LIBRARIES

Representatives from Philadelphia Legal Assistance discuss the IRS, audits, tax returns, tax debt, filing for free & your rights as a taxpayer. 3-5 p.m. Richmond Library. 215-685-9992 | Free

MARCH 29 HEALTHY LIVING FOR THE BRAIN & BODY

Learn about the latest health-based research & how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain & body healthy as you age. 12:30 p.m. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia.

215-698-7300 | Free

MARCH 17 ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY

MARCH 20 KNITTING FOR BEGINNERS

MARCH 24 CITY & STATE BENEFITS WORKSHOP

MARCH 29 THE PATRIARCHS: THE ORIGINS OF INEQUALITY

Author Angela Saini leads an exploration of gendered oppression — origins, histories, understanding & resistance. 7:30 p.m. Parkway Central Library. Register: 215-567-4341 | Free

MARCH 31 JEWELRY WITH A TWIST

Explore making jewelry using beads, wire, cold ceramic & other mediums.

12:45-2 p.m. Journey’s Way. 215-4871750 | $2

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Milestones 10

A love of food nourishes the body and soul

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh “Every night is its own memory,” said Greg DiStefano, 65, of South Philadelphia, owner of The Victor Café, a classic Italian restaurant offering live opera performances during dinner.

In 1908, his grandfather, John DiStefano, immigrated to Philadelphia from Italy. Ten years later, John opened his first business on Dickenson Street: DiStefano’s Gramophone Shop, where neighbors and friends could come and listen to operatic arias while sipping fresh espresso. In 1933, when John purchased a beer and wine license, the shop became The Victor Café, “Music Lover’s Rendezvous.”

The Victor Café has remained a family-owned and operated business since its inception. You may recognize it as “Adrian’s” restaurant from the “Rocky” movie franchise. You can even visit the lounge on the second floor to see a corner filled with film memorabilia.

Visitors from all over the world enjoy swinging by to take pictures at this historic establishment.

A lifetime of dedication

Greg DiStefano has spent his entire life working at The Victor Café. “I started going down to the restaurant at a very early age, I think I was 7 or 8, and I was working in the kitchen,” he said. “When I came of age, I worked on the floor as a busser, waiter and a bartender.”

Today, you can find him answering phones in the office on the second floor, chatting with patrons, or managing the music that plays throughout the restaurant in between live performances.

“My favorite part of the work now, at my age, is coming into the restaurant and doing maintenance of the building,” said DiStefano, who also has over 15 years’ experience as a construction

manager. “The building is 120 years old, and there are many little projects that must be done.”

DiStefano admits running a business has stressful moments. “You worry every day and every night (about) what could happen,” he said.

DiStefano considered retiring right before the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, he teamed up with his brother to build a sturdy and sheltered outdoor seating area that kept The Victor Café alive during trying economic times.

The outdoor eatery coupled with the special treat of live opera performances on Saturday evenings drew in hundreds of patrons, filling in the 140 seats on both sides of the street.

Singers would perform from the second-floor balcony, filling the evening air with melody and merriment.

While the pandemic endeavors were successful, they were not easy on DiStefano. “The last three years have taken a toll on my body and psyche,” DiStefano said. “I’ve never worked harder, not even during all my younger days in construction.”

Life’s love

When it comes to restaurant work, DiStefano said you have to love it – and he does. His passion for his grandfather’s business is evident in the way he lights up when talking about the café.

“I like to refer to myself as the (café’s) caretaker as we navigate through time,” he said.

Some of DiStefano’s fondest memories include family gatherings at the restaurant, including his children’s birthday parties and holiday dinners.

DiStefano also enjoys late evenings after the dinner crowd has disbursed and only a handful of patrons remain. “Someone may get up and sing a five-minute aria or a duet,” he said.

“It is just a moment in time. I’ve had so many of those moments that it is hard

to remember all of them. But the best memories have been seeing incredible performances by our staff and customers.”

The Victor Café: Music Lover’s Rendezvous

If you happen to find yourself near 1303 Dickenson St. in South Philadelphia, stop by The Victor Café and say hello to owner Greg DiStefano. The Victor Café is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 4-9-15 p.m.; and Sunday 4-8 p.m. The second-floor lounge and bar is open Friday and Saturday, 5-11 p.m.

For more information, call 215-4683040 or visit VictorCafe.com.

Mary Anna Rodabaugh is a writer, editor and writing coach.

Greg DiStefano, 65, of South Philadelphia, owns and operates The Victor Cafe, which his grandfather opened in 1933.

(Photo by Mary Anna Rodabaugh)

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Milestones 11

From the Waltons to Wi-Fi: 50 years of standing strong for Philly’s older adults Pictured (left to right) at PCA’s 50th anniversary kickoff celebration on Feb 6. are PCA President and CEO Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA; retired 6abc newscaster Vernon Odom; and Philip Asbury, director of community murals at Mural Arts Philadelphia.

(Photo by Dave DeBalko)

By Bill Conallen In 1973, Richard Nixon was president, the end of the Vietnam War loomed, and eggs were 78 cents a dozen. Meanwhile in Philadelphia, community advocate Rodney D. Williams determined he would make a difference in his city. Following the passage of the Older Americans Act of 1965, Williams became the first administrator of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).

From then to now, PCA has implemented countless programs and services specifically for the most vulnerable of older Philadelphians.

On Feb. 6, retired 6abc newscaster Vernon Odom assisted PCA president and CEO Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, in leading PCA’s 50th anniversary kickoff celebration at 624 N. Broad St. Dr. Orr reflected on how the agency’s mission has grown with the constant need for aging services in an increasingly older nation and shared his plans to strengthen crucial community and business ties.

“PCA is now positioning itself for the next 50 years by establishing strategic partnerships with private and public entities, engaging in dialogue with Pennsylvania’s Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration, and collaborating with Pennsylvania’s Acting Secretary of

Aging Jason Kavulich,” Orr said. “We are also developing additional, creative approaches to providing help in the home, protection and advocacy, and community and connection to our city’s older adults.”

Odom offered his own unique perspective on how the agency’s programs have provided invaluable assistance in a rapidly transforming city. “Philadelphia has changed quite a bit since my career in journalism began many years ago. Challenges from poverty, lack of adequate resources and safety concerns, however, remain just as prevalent today,” said Odom, who is co-grand marshal of PCA’s 50th anniversary along with fellow retired 6abc broadcaster Lisa Thomas-Laury. “Thankfully, these challenges are being met by an agency born with a servant’s heart 50 years ago, which reminds me of my own father’s commitment to community as a social worker in Akron, Ohio.”

Other events are planned to mark the occasion of five decades of serving older adults and people in Philadelphia. For more information, go to pcaCares.org.

Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

Crossword

March 2023

Milestones 12

RECIPE BOX

Nutritious recipes that are high in flavor

March is National Nutrition Month. Here are some delicious and nutritious recipes for you and your family to enjoy.

Melting Potatoes

Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cakes

Beneath a crispy, flavorful crust, these potatoes have a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Peanut butter is the star ingredient in these oatmeal cakes, providing not only flavor, but a boost of plant-based protein too.

Ingredients: 2 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices 2 tbsp. butter, melted 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary ¾ tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground pepper 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth 5 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

Ingredients: 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 ½ cups low-fat milk ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter, divided ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 3 tbsp. packed light brown sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. vanilla extract ½ tsp. salt ¼ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips

Directions: Position rack in upper third of oven. Preheat to 500°F. Toss potatoes, butter, oil, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Arrange in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch metal baking pan. Roast potatoes, flipping once, until browned, about 30 minutes.

Carefully add broth and garlic to the pan. Continue roasting until most of the broth is absorbed and the potatoes are very tender, about 15 minutes more. Serve hot.

Directions: Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.

Combine oats, milk, 1/4 cup peanut butter, applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, baking powder, vanilla and salt in a large bowl.

Fill each muffin cup with 2 heaping tablespoons of batter, then divide the remaining 1/4 cup peanut butter and chocolate chips among the muffin cups, about 1 teaspoon each. Cover with the remaining batter, about 2 tablespoons each.

Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

March 2023

Milestones 13

(Continued from page 7)

Many older adults and adults living with disabilities who are facing food insecurity cannot easily reach a senior center. PCA’s Home-delivered Meals program serves those who cannot afford balanced meals, are unable to cook or shop for food, and have no assistance to prepare meals. Since opening in 1997, PCA’s Meal Distribution Center (MDC) has delivered nearly 37 million meals to homes across the city from its location in North Philadelphia. Each week, the MDC delivers pre-packaged meals to the doorsteps of

more than 4,300 older Philadelphians.

PCA’s home-delivered meals meet one-third of the recommended dietary allowance for older adults and the dietary guidelines for Americans.

“There are so many reasons why older adults may not be able to access senior centers for their nutritional needs, whether it be lack of adequate transportation or reasons related to living with a disability,” said Winn. “Many of those we serve face difficulties when it comes to cooking their own meals at home and our staff offer an important contact when it comes to obtaining nutritious meals on a weekly basis.”

Each summer, PCA also distributes Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers to more than 36,000 income-eligible older Philadelphians.

In 2023, the vouchers will total $50 per person, more than double last year’s amount.The vouchers can be used to purchase Pennsylvania-grown produce at local farmers markets. The vouch-

er program supplements PCA’s meals programs by providing an additional resource to access fresh, healthy food.

Look for information about the 2023 voucher distribution in June Milestones.

“PCA is always looking to innovate and be more sensitive to the needs of older Philadelphians, both nutritionally and logistically, when it comes to how we fulfill our obligation to implement the Senior Nutrition Program,” said Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA president and CEO. “It is our hope to work to further diversify our offerings to older adults to reflect the tapestry of distinct cultures in our city, as well as work with local restaurants to meet the need where it is most required. A simple one-size-fits-all approach will not work when the need to address food insecurity is so great.”

call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org.

For more information about PCA’s nutrition programs for older adults,

PCA reserves the right to not publish any submission; receipt may not be acknowledged; and submissions will not be returned.

Bill Conallen is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

Milestones wants to hear from YOU! We welcome your story ideas, feedback and suggestions. (Story-specific comments or questions will be forwarded to the writer.) 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 and comments to: Attn: Milestones Editor PCA, 642 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: milestonesnews@pcaCares.org

March 2023

Milestones 14

The helping profession: Recognizing the vital role of social workers

By Jay Nachman As Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) celebrates both Women’s History Month and Social Work Month in March, Milestones recognizes the women who have devoted their personal and professional lives to serving older adults. Here are three of their experiences.

Nancy Morrow is committed to improving the lives of older people. “As a social worker, I‘ve been able to do that at many different levels throughout my career,” she said proudly.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in social work, Morrow began her career working with older adults on a one-on-one basis in individual and group counseling.

Following that, she worked in more administrative and programmatic roles, including director of protective services at PCA and executive director of the Pennsylvania Care Management

Institute. For the last 30 years, she’s worked as a consultant and trainer for many social service agencies, including PCA and the Supportive Older Women’s Network (SOWN). She also teaches aging policy at the University of Pennsylvania in the School of Social Policy and Practice.

Through her work, Morrow instructs current and future “social workers about older adults and the wonderful field of aging.” She enjoys teaching social workers about working with older people and encouraging them in their social work careers to think about aging as a field of practice.

“I’ve always had a personal mission to increase the interest of social work students in the area of aging because I found it to be such a satisfying, rewarding career,” she said.

Mary J. Fallon recently retired after 20 years as the executive director of the Unitarian Universalist House Outreach Program, which supports people 60 and older in achieving

independence, dignity, and quality of life in their homes and communities.

She spent her entire career in aging services, including PCA, where she was a student intern in 1980 and worked as assistant director of placement services in the early 1990s.

“So many older people feel shunted aside,” Fallon said. “I think people underestimate the value of just sitting with someone and really actively listening to them and being sincerely interested in their welfare and the outcome of the interaction.”

In describing the satisfaction that her work brings, Fallon said, “I’ve seen people who just thought, ‘well, nobody is going to help me. I may as well not even call anybody. I don’t even know who to call. I’m just so stuck.’ Then, when somebody, like a worker from PCA or Unitarian Universalist House, reaches out and actually tries to help them, they’re just astonished.”

While the profession is vital to the community and extremely rewarding,

Fallon admits social work is also a challenging field.

A study by the National Association of Social Workers reported “genderbased pay inequity remains a persistent problem for social workers and other female-dominated professions.”

Another report noted “women … experience biases inside and outside of the profession” and that “social workers are tasked to examine roles, equity and fairness not only in the profession, but within society and with the women they serve each day.”

Nonetheless, “if you are somebody who is sensitive and motivated to try and help, social work is a way to make a real difference because you make a difference in people’s lives in a way that other professions don’t,” said Fallon, who holds a master’s degree in gerontology from University of Pennsylvania.

Cheryl Clark-Woods has worked at PCA for 25 years and currently serves as director of the agency’s caregiver support program. But whenever she is asked what she does, Clark-Woods proudly asserts that she is a social worker.

“I don’t say I’m the director of the caregiver support program,” said ClarkWoods, who has a master’s degree in social work from Temple University. “I say I’m a social worker because that’s really what I identify myself as. That’s my commitment within whatever role I’ve had. I find it rewarding working directly with people who need help.

Social work is a helping profession, and a lot of people go into it for that reason.

It’s really helping people directly with what their situations are and helping them connect to things that may improve the quality of their life.”

Jay Nachman is a freelance writer in Philadelphia who tells stories for a variety of clients.

March 2023

Milestones 15 Health Brief

Crossword

Source: The American Geriatrics Society

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you are sexually active but not in a monogamous relationship, these screenings are important at any age.

Vaccinations – Flu: Every year. | Pneumonia (pneumococcal conjugate and pneumococcal polysaccharide): Ask your health care provider about when to take the two vaccines. | Tetanus shot: Every 10 years. | Shingles (herpes zoster): Once after 60. | COVID-19: Two doses, 3-8 weeks apart, followed by an updated (bivalent) booster shot after six months.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health provides a range of women’s health services at eight city health centers. For information, call 311 or go to phila.gov.

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By Neil Manausa

CREATORS NEWS SERVICE

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Vision – Comprehensive eye examination that includes visual acuity testing and dilation every 1 to 2 years for all adults 65 years or older who do not have risk factors or more frequently if risk factors are present.

bone mass more quickly than they can replace it, so their bones can become porous and brittle. If left unchecked, this bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, defined as reduced bone mass and poor bone quality. The disorder makes bones weak and prone to fracture. People who have osteoporosis have bones that can break with even the mildest impact. Medicare pays for an osteoporosis screening every two years.

Ask your health care provider if you need screening or therapy. Research suggests that many older adults aren’t getting enough calcium. Try to get 1,500 mg of calcium – with vitamin D – each day. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking and strength training, are also good for your bones.

Depression – If you feel down, sad, or hopeless for two or more weeks, or have lost interest in things you once enjoyed, talk to your health care provider about treatment.

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Dental – At least once a year, have your teeth cleaned and examined for cavities and signs of mouth disease, including cancer. If you wear dentures, get them checked regularly to make sure they still fit properly.

Hearing – Get your hearing checked every three years after age 50. More frequently for those with known exposures or risk factors associated with hearing loss.

Bone health – As people age, they often lose

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Older women are more likely than men to have multiple health problems and chronic health conditions, including arthritis, high blood pressure and osteoporosis, according to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

There is a lot you can do to increase your chances of staying healthy as you age. See your health care provider regularly. Even if you feel perfectly healthy, you should see your primary care doctor or another health care provider at least once a year for a checkup. Certain screenings can help diagnose health problems early. Ask your health care provider which tests are right for you. The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation recommends the following checkups.

Diabetes – If you haven’t been checked for diabetes recently, it is recommended that you do so. Older women who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes should get checked every three years.

Blood pressure – High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects tens of millions of adults in the United States. It increases the risk of life-threatening conditions including heart attack and stroke. But high blood pressure rarely causes symptoms. A blood pressure measurement helps diagnose high blood pressure early, so it may be treated before it leads to serious complications. Have your pressure checked by your doctor at least once a year.

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Good health in later life for older women