Milestones: News & Possibilities for Older Adults - August 2021

NEWS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

A Publication of

Summer in the City

AUGUST 2021 • FREE

IN THIS ISSUE

BE SAFE: STAY STREET-SMART

P4 100 THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY

P6 SENIOR CENTERS RE-OPEN

P8

The lights are back on in Philadelphia!

Enjoy it with hope, safety and health in mind.

Elevated Angles for Visit Philadelphia

Milestones 2

AUGUST 2021

EDITOR’S LETTER

By Alicia M. Colombo, Milestones editor

The safe return to normalcy

WHAT IS PCA?

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is a nonprofit agency dedicated to serving Philadelphia’s older adults and people 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, President and CEO PCA Board of Directors 2021-22 Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.F.P., Chair Judee M. Bavaria, Vice Chair Satya B. Verma, O.D., Secretary Glenn D. Bryan, Treasurer Louis A. Bove, Esq. Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq. Lynn Fields Harris Angela Foreshaw-Rouse Sandra McNally Fran Miller Victor M. Negrón Jr. Eloise N. Young Jaqueline 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. ©2021 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.

It is important to emphasize the impact that widespread COVID-19 vaccinations have had on the reduction of severe illness and death, both in the City of Philadelphia and across the country.

However, the pandemic is not over yet.

The COVID-19 Delta variant has been shown to spread more easily, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

“We’re starting to see cases [of COVID-19] begin to rise here in Philadelphia. This is a dangerous time for people who aren’t vaccinated,” said Philadelphia’s Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole. “The best thing Philadelphians can do to keep their loved ones safe and the Delta variant out of their homes is to get vaccinated today and get their second dose as soon as they’re eligible.”

To make a vaccine appointment, call the COVID-19 Vaccine Hotline for Philadelphians 60-plus at 1-800-424-4351 or go to phila.gov/vaccine. Homebound older adults and people with disabilities can make their appointments at 215-685-5488 or https://bit.ly/HomeboundVaccinePhl. Whether or not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is a personal decision that we all must make. It is one that I hope everyone will make after educating themselves on the benefits and risks of vaccination.

After more than a year of missed social events, holidays and celebrations, there is now a safe way to gather with friends and family – without the fear of anyone getting ill or even dying as a result. Thank-

fully, the vaccine offers a safe return to normalcy. Here are some benefits of COVID-19 vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Safety: The vaccines have passed all required stages of clinical trials and also received additional testing and monitoring to assure their safety and efficacy. In fact, the COVID-19 vaccines continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.

Protection: Vaccination is highly effective against COVID-19. After full vaccination, you have little chance of catching COVID-19 or spreading it to others. If you catch COVID-19, the vaccine will help keep you from needing hospitalization.

Normalcy: Two weeks after receiving the final dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, you are considered “fully vaccinated.”

You can then start resuming many of the social activities you enjoyed prior to the pandemic restrictions. In most outdoor places, face masks are no longer required for vaccinated individuals. In response to a recent rise in total COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations among children in Philadelphia, PDPH strongly recommends that everyone wear masks in all public indoor places.

No cost: The U.S. federal government is providing COVID-19 vaccines free of charge to all residents, regardless of immigration status or health insurance coverage.

Funded by PCA

Milestones 4

AUGUST 2021

Use caution: Be street-smart to stay safe

By Constance Garcia-Barrio Good weather, time with friends and festivals beckon. While these pleasures are alluring, older adults may be concerned about their safety on the streets of Philadelphia.

According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), COVID has exacerbated the underlying factors that lead to violence: limited economic and educational opportunities, and the lack of access to resources.

In a recent Town Hall on Gun Violence held by the Mayor’s Office, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw confirmed there is already an 80% increase in shootings over the entire year of 2020. Outlaw urges Philadelphia gun owners to do their part to prevent and reduce gun violence by keeping their firearms secured and locked up. Philadelphia has several programs to help reduce gun violence, including free gun lock giveaways and gun buy-back events.

According to Philadelphia Police Department, the three main causes of gun violence in the city – arguments, drugs and domestic violence – rarely involve random shootings of older adults. So, please, while you need to use precaution, do not let fear prevent you from enjoying the outdoors this summer.

By staying informed, alert and aware of your surroundings at all times, you can enjoy safe travels and activities throughout Philadelphia. It’s wise to keep a few tips in mind to enjoy outings safely.

“Daytime always beats night,” says Philadelphia Police Officer Tracy Lewis.

“There’s better visibility.”

Even so, older adults can take steps to help ensure safe evening outings. “Say, you want to attend a night lecture on a college campus,” Lewis says. “Plan your route ahead of time. You can go to Google Maps for information. Find out where parking [or the nearest transit stop] is available, and where you’ll walk from [there] to the lecture. If you feel unsafe, Penn, Temple and most other schools have call boxes to contact campus police.

[You can use the box to] to call and ask them to accompany you to the event.”

Philadelphia is a large city, so you can become disoriented in unfamiliar places – even during the daytime. “If that happens, call 911,” Lewis says. “It’s always good to know the name of the street you’re on. But if you don’t, [look for] a school, library, corner store or other landmark you could describe to the dispatcher, who’ll relay the information to officers nearby. The police will know exactly where you are because they patrol that area.”

Once the police arrive, they’ll give you directions on how to reach your destination. They’ll also provide help in case of a medical issue, she says.

Demonstrations and protests present a scenario where a little precaution can go a long way. Check it out from a distance first. “Do things seem peaceful? Orderly?

Ninety-nine percent of the time, it’s fine,” Lewis says. “But now and then, agitators try to hijack the event, so stay alert.”

If you’re participating in an outdoor event during the summer, be sure to stay well-hydrated. “People pass out due to heat all the time,” Lewis cautions. “Carry a beverage with you to be on the safe side, or see if there’s a store nearby where you can buy food or water if needed.”

Public transit safety Similar safety precautions apply, if you’re taking SEPTA – which, despite recent news of violent acts, has an overall low crime rate. “Take a moment to plan your itinerary,” says SEPTA Police Chief Thomas Nestel. “Knowledge not only saves you time but can make a difference in your demeanor. If you look assured rather than confused, you’re a less attractive target for opportunistic crimes.”

For guidance about the best travel route using public transportation, call SEPTA’s Customer Service Department at 215-580-7800 (TDD/TTY for hearing or speech impaired: 215-580-7853), from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Precaution is prevention when it comes to your fare card and cash, too. “Keep it in your pocket or your jacket instead of your purse [or wallet],” Nestel advises. “If you have to dig in your purse, you may expose your money or your wallet. Also, if you carry [the fare card] in your hand, keep your attention on where you’re walking. You’re less likely to trip.”

Once you board a SEPTA vehicle, “Sit back and enjoy the ride,” Nestel says. “Put your cell phone away. If you’re looking at your phone, you could [become distracted and] miss your stop.”

The time of day you choose to travel may have more to do with personality than safety. “I think of my grandfather, a man who liked quiet, so he traveled in the off-peak hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,” Nestel explains. “My grandmother, on the other hand, enjoyed riding during peak times so she could strike up a conversation [with fellow passengers]. Whenever you travel, there’s help on hand. All the train cars have emergency buttons, the stations have call boxes and SEPTA employees are available.”

Likewise, you can get assistance readily from the Philadelphia Police. “In case of an incident, call 911,” Lewis says. “The dispatcher will ask a series of questions, including your location and a description of the assailant. Anything unique you notice, like a tattoo or an unusual T-shirt, is extremely helpful. The police can look for someone with that unique feature.”

Help may be ongoing, Lewis says: “We offer guidance in filling out victim compensation forms, and we can refer older adults to organizations that provide further assistance.” *** Victims of crimes committed by adult offenders (18 and older) may contact the Philadelphia Police Victims Services Unit at 215-685-1158 for information about there rights and available assistance, including the Victims Compensation Assistance Program that provides financial assistance for medical expenses or loss of income.

Native Philadelphian Constance Garcia-Barrio writes about many topics, including Black history.

AUGUST 2021

Milestones 5

Older adults share their thoughts on post-pandemic re-entry

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh Summer is in full swing as older Philadelphians cautiously resume pre-pandemic activities. For some, the return to normalcy has been a meaningful celebration after more than a year in quarantine and isolation. For others, normal feels out of reach, as personal health and safety remain of top concern.

Steve Kwon

Reunited with friends Steve Kwon, 86, of University City, spent much of the pandemic at home on the computer, a tool he has enjoyed learning.

During quarantine, Kwon watched Korean news and worked out with exercise videos online to stay on top of his fitness.

Now, Kwon makes the trip from his home to the Penn Asian Senior Services Jubilee Center for in-person events and activities.

“I am most excited about resuming the activities I did before the pandemic, like attending the adult day center, spending time with peers and exercising with my friends,” Kwon said.

As for worries about the future, Kwon is concerned he may catch a COVID-19 variant, but he is taking all the necessary precautions as he enjoys his favorite activities. When asked what advice he’d give

to older adults during this time, Kwon says, “Stay safe. Keep your distance, and do not spread germs.”

Missed connections Winnie Mager, 73, of Kensington, couldn’t wait to hold her great-granddaughter who was born in May 2020. But due to the pandemic’s safety restrictions, she had to settle for photos and videos until it was safe for her to do so.

“Every affair, I couldn’t go,” Mager said.

“I missed birthday parties, confirmations and christenings. Holidays were the worst. We didn’t even do Christmas.”

Now that restrictions are lifted and more people are getting vaccinated, Mager has been able to enjoy visits with her family in person. While she is grateful, she remains skeptical about the future.

“I don’t think it will ever be normal,” Mager said. “I know a lot of people my age who are scared.”

Mager says she feels bad for the older adults who do not drive or have the support system of children or grandchildren.

As far as the future, she hopes younger generations are more prepared should a pandemic like this arise again.

Winnie Mager

Shirley Ray

Staying home for safety Shirley Ray, 78, of West Philadelphia, says despite being vaccinated, she plans to continue wearing her mask for the foreseeable future. Ray spent much of the pandemic alone in her apartment watching television or taking short walks early in the morning.

“The TV doesn’t help me, “Ray said. “It used to keep me company, but not anymore. I’m tired of sitting at home.”

As Philadelphia progresses into a post-pandemic era, Ray remains cautious and vigilant. “Some people don’t want to put a mask on their face,” she said. “I don’t deal with anybody. By the grace of God, I’m still here. People are scared at my age. I’m not afraid of dying, but I don’t want to go like that.”

closets, learned about quantum physics, and connected with friends and family through Facebook and email. Volk also used this time to organize and file her end-of-life materials in one place.

“I wouldn’t have done it otherwise,” she said. “The materials were scattered all over. So, that was an enormous thing I did.”

When restrictions lifted, Volk was finally able to welcome family and friends to her new home. The time spent alone was a very different time. But the deprivation of the past makes present celebrations all the more marvelous.

When asked about her feelings for the future as we attempt to return to normal, Volk said, “I hope we never get back to normal. I hope we slow down. I hope we pay more attention to relationships. The pandemic gave us time to stop and listen.”

Cause for celebration

Maryann Volk

Maryann Volk, 81, had just moved into her new apartment at Philadelphia Protestant Home in April 2020 when the pandemic restrictions began.

“I had no visitors,” Volk said. “I didn’t meet any people. For an entire year nobody saw my apartment.”

Instead of lamenting over the circumstances that forced her into isolation, Volk searched for the gifts offered by her time alone. She sorted through her

Photos by Mary Anna Rodabaugh

*** As we continue to deal with challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to remain connected to others. For information about senior community centers, which offer virtual and in-person programs, see page 8.

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

Milestones 6

AUGUST 2021

s one n t s e Mil riptio sc sub luded inc

Mother Bethel AME Church was built in 1889 on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned

by African Americans in the United States. (Photo by P. Meyer for Visit Philadelphia)

Need something to do in Philly?

Here’s 100+ ideas.

By Jay Nachman

Whether you’re planning a staycation or escorting visitors on tour of the City of Brotherly Love, Irene Levy Baker has got you covered.

Her book, “100 Things to do in Philadelphia Before You Die,” now in its second printing, offers recommendations in five categories: Food and Drink, Music and Entertainment, Sports and Recreation, Culture and History, and Shopping and Fashion.

“No one should ever waste free time doing laundry and errands,” Baker said.

“Put sticky notes on the pages with things you’d like to do. Then have a few adventures each week. Enjoy the amazing, ever-changing, surprising, delightful place we call home. After staying home for more than a year, it’s never been more important or felt so good. If you do that, then I’ve accomplished my mission.”

The title is misleading, since the book actually provides several hundred sug-

gestions. I included vegetarian and vegan restaurants, noteworthy BYOBs, great places to hear jazz, live music venues and more. In the second edition, I was supposed to take out 20 of the things and replace them with new things. Instead, I left in almost everything from the first edition, added 20 new things and updated every page.

Each place has tips for visitors. The page on cheesesteaks warns non-Philadelphians: “These babies are juicy. Eat like a local — standing up and leaning forward.” Some of the tips are of an insider nature that even lifelong Philadelphians will find useful. Baker notes that the cheese mongers at Di Bruno Bros. are happy to give free samples, along with their culinary advice. She also offers this ear-pleasing tip: You can hear the “legends of tomorrow” studying at the Curtis Institute of Music – for free. The students, all of whom attend on full scholarships, give recitals several nights a week, and no tickets are needed.

Continued on page 15

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) offers

Delicious meals delivered to your home

Tasty, nutritious options when you can’t prepare your own meals • Quality: home-style meals designed with fresh ingredients by a licensed dietitian • A personal touch: deliveries you can count on by our friendly, dedicated drivers • Affordability: low-cost or no-cost service, if you qualify • Expertise: nearly 50 years of experience caring for your neighbors • Reliability: the local resource trusted by thousands of older Philadelphians

Call the PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040

pcaCares.org

AUGUST 2021

Len Davidson, 74, founder of the Neon Museum of Philadelphia, restores and crafts neon art. (Photos courtesy: Neon Museum of Philadelphia)

Lighting up Philadelphia’s arts, cultural scene

By Jay Nachman

Stepping into the Neon Museum of Philadelphia and seeing the original signs for iconic Philadelphia locales, such as Levis Hot Dogs, Horn & Hardart’s from 30th Street Station and Delilah’s soul food stand at the Reading Terminal Market, offers a nostalgic blast from the past.

The brightly lit signs tell important stories about Philadelphia’s history, according to Len Davidson, 74, who opened the South Kensington museum virtually in the fall of 2020 after 40 years of collecting, repairing and crafting neon signs. The museum’s physical location at the southwest corner of North American and Berks streets opened in April.

“The signs are symbols of culture and that’s what this whole museum is about – Philly culture before the internet came in,” said Davidson, who grew up in Northeast Philadelphia. “When you had mom-and-pop stores, you had kids playing in the streets. You had local shopping avenues. Restoring and preserving these signs is about telling a story of what a rowhouse city was like at mid-century. If

someone moves into Philadelphia now, they don’t know what [it was] like.”

Davidson’s interest in neon began in 1977, when he was teaching sociology at the University of Florida. He began studying it and collecting signs, then he completed an apprenticeship in the art and craft of neon. After learning the trade, Davidson moved back to Philadelphia in 1979 and set up shop in the Art Museum area.

“Neon became more interesting for me to do than academic sociology,” he said. “For one thing, it was much more concrete. I could make a neon sign after [meeting] a customer. After building the sign and installing it, I’d see the product of my labor. Whereas, if I did organizational consulting with the government or a medical group, [I was] never really sure [of the] effect [I] had. And, so, I liked the concrete nature of seeing the results of my labor. Plus, it was creative.”

Davidson has about 150 works of neon art in his collection. There are about 100 in the museum and another 25 in the common areas of the building that houses the museum. Another 30 are displayed in Drexel University’s Firestone Building

at 32nd and Market streets.

About two-thirds of the pieces are Philadelphia-centric. But the oldest documented sign is a Bulova watches clock that was displayed at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. After the fair, four of the clocks were brought to Philadelphia and hung above big jewelry stores around the city. The clock on display at the Neon Museum was previously located at a jewelry store at Broad Street and Erie Avenue. After recovering it, Davidson had to restore the sign by stripping off the old paint, repainting it in World’s Fair colors, and fixing the transformers and neon.

Other local gems shining brightly at the museum include the Pat’s Steaks crown in Strawberry Mansion from about 1955, a Pep Boys sign, and a Buster Brown sign from Fourth and South streets.

Some of the signage is even animated. A 1960s advertisement for Arthur’s Fuel Oil is a double-sided, animated delivery truck, which Davidson called “a remarkable piece of sign and folk art” that hung over the sidewalk, helping to illuminate North 52nd Street. There’s also a dancing Elvis Presley, appropriately from the former Blue Suede Café

Milestones 7 in South Philadelphia.

“I like the figural aspect of neon, how you can create pictures in light,” Davidson said. “And, I like that the people who made the signs were not typically trained in art. They were influenced by the Golden Age of comic books and cartoon strips. As a result, the kinds of signs they produced had a very funky, folk-art quality.”

Walking through the museum is like taking a stroll down memory lane. Guide cards tell a story about each sign: who made them, the industries that they were from, and what Philadelphia or those businesses were like when they were operating. There is also a collection of memorabilia, photographs and stories related to each sign.

Davidson said his sentimental favorite is the 11-foot Levis Hot Dogs sign, which he lovingly restored, that originally promoted the famed joint at Sixth and South streets.

“When I was 10 years old and I’d go to the Philadelphia Warriors [basketball] games, my dad would take me to Levis to get a hot dog afterward,” Davidson recalled. “I went there, he went there, his dad went there, and I took my son there.”

Through the salvage and restoration of old relics, Davidson seeks to preserve nostalgia, along with neon. “Every sign has an associated history and story with it,” he said. “The history is just as important as the craft of neon and as viewing the neon.” *** The Neon Museum of Philadelphia at NextFab is located at 1800 N. American St. Unit E, in Philadelphia. It is open on limited days and hours. Reservations are preferred, but walk-ins are also welcome.

The admission cost is $10 for adults and children 13 or older. For more information, call 267-534-3883 or go to NeonMuseumOfPhiladelphia.com.

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

Milestones 8

AUGUST 2021

Senior community centers in Philadelphia resume services In March 2020, senior community centers throughout the city were closed to in-person programming for the safety of older adults. With the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, centers began providing Grab & Go meals and virtual programming to older adults.

Beginning the last week of June 2021, most of the 28 senior centers and satellite meal sites that are operated or funded

by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) had soft openings. Centers resumed limited in-person programs and services, with required pre-registration and pre-screening to attend. Each center will set its own schedule for in-person programming. The Grab & Go meal program will continue in place of the daily

hot meals that senior centers provided in congregate settings prior to the pandemic until further notice.

Until further notice, masks are required at all locations, regardless of vaccination status. While COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend senior centers, it is recommended. All staff, volunteers and attendees are to practice three-foot social distancing until further notice. Virtual programs will continue to be available for older adults who are not able to attend centers in person. Shared Ride transportation is expected to be limited due to staffing issues reported by SEPTA. Older adults who wish to attend senior tails about its programs, operations and community centers are encouraged to COVID-19 protocols. For a directory of contact the center directly for specific de-B:9.75"senior centers in Philadelphia or to find T:9.75"

the closest center, go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers or call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

Funded by PCA

S:9.75"

We are all-inclusive care each day.

Ruth’s own home each night.

LIFE All-inclusive Care for Seniors

Milestones

T:4.75"

Call 855-739-0917 to see if InnovAge LIFE is right for you.

Visit InnovAge.com

S:4.75"

Like Ruth, we are strong, resilient – and we are an alternative to nursing homes. Delivering comprehensive care to meet each individual’s needs. From health and nutrition to medication management and more. All at little to no cost with Medicaid and Medicare. We are giving seniors independence. And caregivers – peace of mind.

August 2021

Events

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

*MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL IN-PERSON EVENTS AT SENIOR COMMUNITY CENTERS IN PHILADELPHIA*

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS STARTING AUGUST 3 VIRTUAL ENHANCED FITNESS

Strength, flexibility and fitness in a relaxed atmosphere. 1 p.m. Host: Martin Luther King Older Adult Center.

Call for Zoom info: 215-685-2715

WEDNESDAYS STARTING AUGUST 4 ART THERAPY

Weekly in-person craft workshop with a new take-home project each week.

10:30 a.m. to noon. West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. Register: 215-386-0379, ext. 7302

MONDAYS, TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS BINGO

Live in-person games with cash rewards.

Cards cost $.05-$.25. 10:30 a.m. St. Edmond Senior Community Center.

Register: 215-790-9530

AUGUST 4 CONSERVATION DAY

TUESDAYS STARTING AUGUST 3 CERAMICS WORKSHOP

In-person workshop offers tips to conserve water and energy, and information on energy assistance programs.

9:45 a.m. St. Edmond Senior Community Center. Register: 215-790-9530

In-person workshop teaches clay hand-building techniques to create functional and decorative ceramics.

Beginners and experienced students welcome. 12:30-2:30 p.m. Journey’s Way. Cost per class: $10-$12.

Register: 215-487-1750

MONDAYS THROUGH THURSDAYS DAILY INSPIRATIONS

10:15 a.m. – Staff and members share brief speeches or poems to start the day with positivity. In-person event at West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. 12:15 p.m. – Smile of the Day: Enjoy virtual riddles and jokes online: facebook.com/WestPhilaSCC

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS STARTING AUGUST 3 LINE DANCING

Get moving at this in-person class.

10 a.m. Martin Luther King Older Adult Center. Register: 215-685-2715

WEDNESDAYS STARTING AUGUST 4 ENHANCED FITNESS

In-person exercise class to improve mobility and flexibility. 1 p.m. West Philadelphia Senior Community Center.

Register: 215-386-0379

WEDNESDAYS STARTING AUGUST 4 SENIORS EATING WELL

Virtual interactive nutrition workshop and cooking demo, presented by the Health Promotion Council. 10:40 a.m.

Host: Journey’s Way. Register: https:// tinyurl.com/ek9r7rew

AUGUST 12 OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT: ‘THE PRINCESS BRIDE.’

Bring a blanket and snacks for a screening of Rob Reiner’s quirky fairy tale comedy. 7:45 p.m. Schuylkill Banks – Grays Ferry Crescent.

215-309-5523 or SchuylkillBanks. org/events

AUGUST 20 VIRTUAL WELLNESS SELF-CARE WORKSHOP 10 a.m. Host: Philadelphia Senior Center – Arts. Zoom.us – Meeting ID: 851-6302-0861 | Dial in by phone: 1-929-205-6099

AUGUST 17 VIRTUAL TALK: HOW TO PREPARE FOR A DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT

Effectively discuss your health concerns.

Hosted by AARP PA. 2 p.m. Register: https://bit.ly/TalkingToYourDoctor

AUGUST 5 VIRTUAL TALK: AVOIDING SCAMS AND FRAUD

AUGUST 21 & 28 OPERA ON TAP PHILADELPHIA: ‘HANSEL AND GRETEL.’

Presented by AARP and Philadelphia Senior Center – Arts. 1 p.m.

Zoom.us – Meeting ID: 848-8394-2946 | Dial in by phone: 1-929-205-6099

FRIDAYS AUGUST 6-27 MOVIES IN CLARK PARK

Family-friendly films begin at sundown at the Clark Park in West Philadelphia. Schedule: UniversityCity.org/events/movies

Music director Gabriel Rebolla leads an outdoor, family-friendly concert.

1 p.m. Franklin Square. 215-629-4026

AUGUST 18 EXPLORING OLD VERREEVILLE

Historical lesson about this Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood in the mid-19th century. 2 p.m. Pennypack Environmental Center. 215-685-0470

AUGUST 19 OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT: ‘KNIVES OUT.’

Bring a blanket and snacks for a screening of the critically acclaimed 2019 mystery and crime comedy.

7:45 p.m. Schuylkill Banks – Grays Ferry Crescent. 215-309-5523 or SchuylkillBanks.org/events

AUGUST 28 GRIOT TALES: STORYTELLING BY KEEPERS OF THE CULTURE

A griot is an African historian who passes on culture through the practice of storytelling. Presented by The African American Museum in Philadelphia.

1 p.m. Franklin Square. 215-629-4026

Milestones 12

Recipe Box

AUGUST 2021

This recipe is just peachy Ripe, sweet peaches are in season now throughout our region. This fan favorite for pies and other confections is also very versatile. Peaches can also serve as a balancing component in savory dishes.

One-Skillet Peach Glazed Chicken Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs 1 ½ tbsp. canola oil, divided ¼ cup sweet onion, finely chopped ½ tsp. fresh rosemary, minced ⅓ cup coconut palm sugar or brown sugar 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar 2 tsp. Dijon mustard ½ tsp. salt, divided 3 medium, ripe peaches, pitted and chopped ¼ tsp. pepper iStock

Directions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat. Sprinkle chicken with ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pan and cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.

Do not clean out the skillet. Add another 1 ½ teaspoons oil.

Add onion and rosemary; cook for 1 minute or until lightly golden, scraping up the bits from the bottom of the skillet as you stir. Add sugar, vinegar, mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt and peaches. Cook 12 minutes, or until peaches are softened.

Return chicken to the skillet and heat just until warm, spooning sauce over the meat.

Serve chicken thighs with peach sauce.

(Source: The Seasoned Mom)

Subscribe to Milestones newspaper News and Possibilities for Older Adults NEWS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

A Publication of

JULY 2021 • FREE

IN THIS ISSUE

PHILLY’S URBAN COWBOY Teaches kids horsemanship

Release for America’s oldest juvenile offender

P5 SUMMER’S BOUNTY

Free produce vouchers, recipes

P7 HELP PCA SELECT ADVOCACY PRIORITIES

Milestones newspaper is available for home delivery!

83-year-old Joe Ligon finds a home P17

in Philadelphia with PCA’s Dom Care Program PAGE 4

m 1 Year (12 issues) – $12

m 2 Years (24 issues) – $24

m 3 Years (36 issues) – $36

Subscriber Name: ______________________________________________________________ Subscriber Address: ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ________________________________________________________________ Email (to receive free weekly edition): ___________________________________________ Telephone Number: ____________________________________________________________

Milestones newspaper is the premier publication for older adults in Philadelphia, lower Bucks and eastern Montgomery counties, featuring relevant information and subject matter of interest to readers 60-plus.

m Enclosed is my check or money order payable to PCA’s Milestones

Would you like to have Milestones newspaper mailed to you each month? Home delivery is available with a $12 annual subscription, which covers the cost of postage. To subscribe, fill out the attached form and return it with your payment to:

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

PCA – Milestones Subscriptions 642 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130

m Please charge my: m Visa

m Mastercard

m American Express

m Discover

Name: ________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________________________ Card Number: _________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: __________ Security Code: __________ Signature: ______________________

Caring for Your Loved Ones

at Every Stage

NewCourtland’s Germantown Home offers senior care services for residents who need a home that provides the safety, comfort, care and enjoyment they desire and deserve. The team at Germantown strive to provide exceptional care at every stage.

LONG-TERM CARE

REHAB TO HOME CARE

Germantown Home provides nearly 200 residents with compassion, respect and an unparalleled level of care while creating a warm, welcoming environment designed to feel like home.

For those in recovery, Germantown Home offers short-term rehab to prepare residents to return home to their loved ones.

MEMORY CARE

RESPITE CARE

Germantown Home’s secure memory unit provides specialized nursing and programming to care for the unique needs of those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

A break for primary caregivers will feel like a retreat for your loved one. Germantown offers skilled and caring support for family members in need of short-term relief.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NEWCOURTLAND’S GERMANTOWN HOME CONTACT: Alison Corter, Director of Business Development for NewCourtland / Liaison for Germantown Home by phone at 215-951-4210.

6950 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119 | NewCourtland.org

Milestones 14

AUGUST 2021

Healthy IDEAS evaluates depression risk, connects older adults to resources

Personal Care Companion Care Light Housekeeping

By Shannon Reyes

iStock

We are a provider for the CommunityHealthChoices program, and we welcome family caregivers through the PA Family Caregiver Support Program.

215-935-6321

www.charterhomehealth.net

Depression is a serious mental health condition at any age. But older adults are at great risk for depression and less likely to be correctly diagnosed or properly treated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), depression affects far more older adults who receive home care (13.5%) and are hospitalized (11.5%) than those living independently in the community (1% to 5%). Depression is more prevalent in older adults with a chronic illness or limited physical functioning, yet it is often missed by health care providers who view an individual’s behaviors as a natural reaction to their diagnosis or current situation.

“It’s important that we understand that depression is not inherent in aging,” says Katrina Kyle, Health & Wellness Statewide Coordinator with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. “However, the problems that lead to depression are only compounded by the pandemic.”

To increase awareness, detection, and management of depression symptoms in older adults, Kyle led Pennsylvania to become the first state to independently train and administer the Healthy IDEAS

(Identify Depression and Empowering Activities for Seniors) Program. Developed by Baylor College of Medicine’s Huffington Center on Aging and sponsored by the National Council on Aging, Healthy IDEAS is an evidence-based program that aims to heighten awareness about depression in older adults and provide resources for depression management.

A pilot program was launched in 2020, during the height of COVID-19. Kyle explains that the pandemic increased social isolation, which can be a contributing factor to depression in older adults.

“Social isolation was a major issue before the pandemic,” Kyle says. “And the best way to address that was looking at not where older adults could go, but [rather] who could come to them.”

In the fall of 2020, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) collaborated with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to take part in the pilot rollout of Healthy IDEAS among Pennsylvania’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). AAAs deliver vital services, including longterm care management, to older adults throughout the nation. A team of PCA’s long-term care managers attended training that included learning and discussing depression screenings, interventions and education.

“Healthy IDEAS trains staff to identify individuals that have depression,” says Sean Outen, director of PCA’s LongTerm Care OPTIONS Program. “Once individuals are identified, they can participate in the program that connects them with both resources and activities.”

For older adults with depression symptoms, the program typically lasts three to six months and focuses on providing short-term intervention so that participants can better manage the symptoms of depression. This is ac-

Milestones 15

AUGUST 2021 complished in steps, beginning with a screening and assessment.

Education about treatment options includes engaging participants in behavioral activation, an approach to manage depression symptoms by combating inactivity. Participants also receive referral and connection to mental health services. PCA’s long-term care managers are able to link Healthy IDEAS participants with the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health & Intellectual disAbility Services and Community Behavioral Health.

Since Healthy IDEAS was implemented at PCA, Outen says care managers have identified several individuals for the program through screening using Columbia University’s Patient Health Questionnaire – 9 (PHQ-9).

“It was needed during the pandemic, because individuals couldn’t go out to

senior centers to participate in activities and were homebound.” Outen says. “It’s good that they were [still] able to get the help they needed.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging recently received more than $270,000 in additional grant funding from the Administration of Community Living (ACL), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to expand Healthy IDEAS within Pennsylvania’s AAAs. At this time, PCA is among eight Pennsylvania AAAs participating in the Healthy IDEAS program.

Kyle hopes to see that number grow as the additional grant funding will allow for more training and resources for implementation over the next three years.

Things to do in Philly

Rittenhouse Square, the Barnes, and to Philadelphia’s amazing restaurant scene,” Baker said.

“100 Things To Do In Philadelphia” suggests itineraries of things to do for free and for visitors with young children, families with teens and empty nesters.

The book also suggests places to visit by season.

If you get hungry during your touring, don’t worry. Baker wrote another book, “Unique Eats and Eateries of Philadelphia,” that “tells the sweet and spicy stories behind the region’s most fascinating restaurants and is full of tips, such as where to spot celebrities, how to order secret menu items and more.”

For more information, follow 100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia on Facebook and Instagram and @100Philly on Twitter. Both books can be purchased at 100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia.com.

continued from page 6

The book delivers some serious history, as well. Readers will learn that Mother Bethel AME Church, a National Historic Landmark, was built in 1889 on “the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans in the United States.”

The church was once a stop on the Underground Railroad and now houses the Richard Allen Museum, which is dedicated to the founder of America’s first independent Black congregation: the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia is only one of two in the country that can be toured.

Coins have been made continuously there for more than 200 years, and 1 million coins can be made in just 30 minutes, Baker wrote.

“I like to take visitors to only-in-Philadelphia places, such as Reading Terminal Market, Magic Gardens, Spruce Street Harbor Park, the historic district,

MEDICAL SUPPLY INC. www.rpromise.com

Shannon Reyes is the public relations specialist at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

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

for MEDICAID and MCO RECIPIENTS

Milestones 16

AUGUST 2021

An unbreakable bond: Mother/daughter love

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh Carol McKenna, 74, closes her eyes and crosses her arms across her chest, as her daughter, Diane McKenna, 53, gently cranks the hydraulics of her chair lift. As Carol almost levitates above her wheelchair, in a long-choreographed dance, Diane navigates her mother to the bed and gingerly lowers her to the mattress.

Pillows are fluffed, blankets are drawn, and the television remote is placed within Carol’s reach. This mother/daughter “dance” occurs numerous times a day in the close confines of the living room of their South Philadelphia row home.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, at least 42% of caregivers are adult children caring for a parent. Diane is no exception, but her circumstances are exceptional. Diane is living with scoliosis, joint pain and the effects of a severe neck injury. She also requires oxygen after extreme exertion.

Despite these physical challenges, Diane celebrates a huge accomplishment each and every day: her continued sobriety. Taking care of her mother is a labor of love, but she is grateful for the task.

“I put my mother through hell when

I was younger,” Diane said. “I’d do anything for her today.”

Carol also does her share to support her daughter, by tending to the family finances and reminding Diane to attend all her required doctor’s appointments. The inseparable pair now finishes each other’s sentences and have developed a unique intuition for the other’s needs.

Two years ago, Diane was grocery shopping when she felt a pain in her stomach unlike anything she had experienced before.

“Something told me to go home right away, and I did,” Diane said.

Upon arriving home, Diane found Carol crumpled on the second floor of their home, unable to get up on her own.

Thankfully, Carol was not injured, but Diane required a neighbor’s help to relocate her mother to the first floor.

“It was unbelievable,“ Diane said. “I couldn’t believe I could sense something was wrong.”

The pair have been inseparable since Carol moved to South Philly when Diane was a year old. From that point on, they moved together between houses and apartments, always staying south of Washington Avenue. Carol worked two

jobs to provide Diane a comfortable life.

As she grew older, Diane discovered drugs and alcohol. It didn’t take long for substances to take over her life. Carol felt helpless, unsure what she could do to help her spiraling daughter.

“Life hit her hard,” Carol said. “All I could do was love her.”

It took many years, many losses and even severe injury to motivate Diane to beat her addictions. She attended rehab and therapy, eventually working her way to a vibrant and sober life. With her demons behind her, Diane vowed to never make her mother worry about her again.

She spends her mornings cooking breakfast for her mom before dutifully attending her recovery program.

“I am very happy she is back in my life,” Carol said.

After years of renting, Carol wanted a more permanent home for her and her daughter. “When my father passed away, he left me money. So, I decided at the ripe age of 65 to buy a house,” Carol chuckled.

Diane found the perfect house on the 400 block of Daly Street. It was spacious, had plenty of natural light, and best of all – a back deck. Carol and Diane moved in 2013, eager to finally make a permanent home for the family duo.

Unfortunately for the new homeowners, Carol’s health began to decline. Diane refused to leave the house unless absolutely necessary, in case her mother needed something. She slept lightly at night, listening for her mother’s breathing. She continued to cook, clean and maintain the home, while Carol tended to administrative tasks. Then in June 2020, Carol was struck by a sudden gastrointestinal illness and required hospitalization.

“I couldn’t stay with her at first due to the pandemic,” Diane said. “The house was empty and quite frankly, I didn’t

know what to do with myself. I felt lost.”

Carol would recover but required physical therapy and rehabilitation. Her body was weak, and she could no longer walk. She received a hospital bed, wheelchair and hydraulic lift. Diane’s caregiver responsibilities amplified as her mother became dependent on her for everything.

“I would never be able to do what she does for me,” Carol said. “She takes care of me from top to bottom.”

This pair’s daily routine now requires abundant patience, and their home is filled with mobility assistance devices. But one thing remains the same: The unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter will always last the tests of time. *** Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Caregiver Support Program provides a wide array of resources for unpaid, primary caregivers, including education and training, financial assistance, referrals and more. For information, call the PCA Helpline at 215-7659040 or go to pcaCares.org/caregivers.

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

Crossword Puzzle Solution (See page 19 for clues)

AUGUST 2021

Milestones 17

A young man with a horn

by Lawrence H. Geller Jim Walker has two claims to fame.

He shares his name with a famous mayor of New York in the 1920s: Jimmy Walker. No, he wasn’t named in Mayor Walker’s honor, despite having been born in 1926 – the year he took office. Still, Walker chuckles at the name comparison when he gets asked about it occasionally.

His second, and far more remarkable, talent is that he’s probably the only nonagenarian to play “Trumpeter’s Lullaby” publicly, as he did at a talent show for

PPH (formerly Philadelphia Protestant Home) in Lower Northeast Philadelphia where he lives. Walker turns rhapsodic when discussing “Trumpeter’s Lullaby,” which is a very difficult piece of music.

“I first heard it played by the late Al Hirt [an award-winning 20th century musician] and I was enchanted,” said Walker. “I hadn’t played [the trumpet] for a few years, and never imagined I would ever have the chance to play anything publicly again, let alone the ‘Trumpeter’s Lullaby.’ Never.”

But as we all know, life has many twists and turns. When the talent show was announced, he didn’t sign up initially. At 94, he wasn’t even sure where his trumpet was. But with the encouragement of his wife, Pat, among others, he began looking for his beloved brass instrument. And, voila! There it was in the storage closet on a top shelf way in the back.

Signing up for the talent show was the

easy part. He didn’t even have the sheet music at first, but a loving niece bought and mailed it to him.

The other problem was a big one: He needed practice. “To play the trumpet well, you have to build up your lip to fit around the mouthpiece to produce a quality sound,” he said. “That is a challenge.”

By the day of the talent show, he was ready and received enthusiastic applause for his performance. Stepping up to challenges has been a theme running throughout Walker’s life.

As a teenager, he drew attention to himself by blowing a bugle. When asked if he was any good at it, he laughed, “I don’t know about that. But I was loud.”

He then decided to play music seriously and took up the trumpet. After purchasing one in a pawn shop, he took lessons for four years.

World War II was raging when he graduated from high school, and he enlisted

in the Air Force. Walker became a fighter pilot and was ready to fly off into the “wild blue yonder,” just as the war had ended. “Thank goodness,” he said.

Marriage and children followed, while he went to night school at La Salle University. Starting out as a draftsman, he rose to supervisor in mechanical design.

All the while, fulfilling his love of music with a big dance band and several symphonies in Ambler, Bucks County and Chestnut Hill.

“We played everything from Beethoven to Carmen to Les Misérables,” Walker said.

Next time, Walker won’t have to be coaxed into performing. “I know where my trumpet is now,” he chuckled.

Lawrence H. Geller is an actor, writer, activist and creator of the Anne Frank Theatre Project.

FREE INFORMATION REQUEST FORM

3

£ Please provide

me with Free Information about Colonial Penn’s Guaranteed Acceptance Whole Life Insurance and the FREE planning guide.

Worried about final expenses?

Take a look at this easy, budget-friendly plan: YOURS FREE!

3Guaranteed acceptance* 3Locked-in rate 3Rate never increases 3Benefit never decreases 3$9.95** a month (per unit)

Act now to help ease worries and the potential financial burden on your loved ones.

Call toll-free 1-800-852-2600 Or complete and mail the form today

__________________________________________________________

Address City

________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________

State ___________________________

Zip ___________________________

Phone

__________________________________________________________

Email

__________________________________________________________

£ Male £ Female

Date of Birth _________ /_________ /_________

I understand a sales representative or agent may call me at the number above, even if my number is on the federal “do not call” list.

Signature

#

Call today to find out more about this plan and we’ll send you this valuable planning guide.

Name

_______________________________________________________

Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company 399 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19181

*Limited benefit 1st 2 years. Available to ages 50-85 in most states. In NY, to ages 50-75. **Contact us for details on rates, benefits, limitations & exclusions.

Colonial Penn Life Insurance Co (399 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19181) is licensed in 49 states, DC, VI, PR. Colonial Penn Life Ins Co is not licensed in and does not solicit business in the state of NY. NY residents will receive info from Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Co, licensed only in NY (Home Ofc: 350 Jericho Tpk, Jericho, NY 11753). This describes coverage currently available, but is not a contract. An insurance agent may contact you. Grp Policy Form #12-82-043 or Individual form Series 12-82045, 15-82-020 or ICC15-045. Free gift not available in MA. CA Residents: We collect personal information from you in order to offer products, services, and information we think will be of interest to you. As a California consumer you have the right to opt out of the sale of your information. Please see colonialpenn.com/privacy to learn more about the information we collect, how we use it, and exercising your rights.

Milestones 18

AUGUST 2021

Accomplished podiatrist, PCA board member honored for life’s work

By Alicia M. Colombo Arthur E. Helfand, DPM, has received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who, the world’s premier publisher of biographical profiles. This award recognizes his decades of work in the profession of podiatric medicine and the importance of taking care of older patients.

“If you can assess an older patient’s foot problems at an early stage, you can enhance the concept of secondary prevention, provide early care and management, and prevent complications, such as amputation in diabetics, and improve the quality of life for older citizens,” he said.

“The importance [of foot health] is keep-

ing seniors living life to the fullest extent possible, and not sitting around waiting for the end of life.”

Beginning his accomplished career in 1957, Helfand worked as a private practice podiatrist in Philadelphia for 45 years. He was also associated with James C. Giuffre Medical Center from 1958 to 1989, where he advanced from staff member to chief of the podiatry department and also served as director of podiatric education.

As an expert in public health and aging, Helfand thrived as a consultant on behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Temple University Children’s Hospital and the Philadelphia VA Hospital’s department of surgery.

When officials at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) began to recognize the importance of foot care to help keep older persons active and in their homes and communities, Helfand

worked with them to develop the “Keep Them Walking Program.” Between 1962 and 1965, the program provided information, education, assessment and care to more than 16,000 older adults in Philadelphia.

“The data helped podiatry become included as part of Medicare,” he said. “It also opened podiatry clinics at the city’s health centers and developed an assessment protocol to address older adults’ health needs – both of which are still in place today.”

Helfand has lent his expertise and talents to Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), publisher of Milestones newspaper, for more than 25 years. In 1995, he was appointed to PCA’s Provider Advisory Committee and worked on a renewal of the “Keep Them Walking Program.”

Soon after, he also joined PCA’s Board of Directors as a member, then became its treasurer and served as board chair

for three years. In 2019, he was elected to Member Emeritus status in honor of his illustrious career and contributions to the field of aging. Recently, he joined the executive ranks as a founding board member of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Care Connections and now serves as the board’s vice chairman.

He remains committed to PCA’s mission of improving the lives of older Philadelphians and people with disabilities.

“PCA has a great and dedicated staff,” Helfand said. “We need to support PCA.” This is just a snippet of the accomplishments and contributions made throughout Helfand’s many decades of work, which he still continues. “When you retire, you need to retire to something and not from something,” he said. “My transition has been about continuing to promote healthy aging.”

Alicia M. Colombo is the editor of Milestones newspaper.

Is background noise a problem?

vol • un • teer

A person who changes a child’s life forever

Join Us. Experience Corps volunteers – people age 50 and older – help children in kindergarten through third grade learn to read. Join us at an information session to learn how you can become a reading tutor and transform the lives of students in the Philadelphia area.

Register online at: aarpfoundation.org/ecphiladelphia or call (267) 592-4459

Temple University is seeking adults aged 60 to 85 with hearing loss to participate in a hearing research study. The focus of the study is to determine if our ability to perceive pitch differences can contribute to our understanding of speech in noisy conditions. Testing will take place on Temple Main Campus. Compensation provided for eligible participants.

For more information, contact the Speech Perception and Cognition (SPAC) Lab

215-204-1478 or spaclab@temple.edu Speech Perception and Cognition Lab Jing Shen PhD, Principal Investigator

AUGUST 2021

Crossword

Health Brief

Immunizations needed at any age

National Immunization Awareness Month in August highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your lifetime. This is a great time to talk with your health care provider to ensure you are up to date on all recommended vaccines for your age group.

Vaccines are especially important for older adults, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

As we age, our immune system weakens, so it can be more difficult for our bodies to fight off infections. Older adults are more likely to get sick from diseases, like the flu, pneumonia and shingles, and to have complications from these infections that can lead to long-term illness, disability and even death. Vaccination is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, including diabetes or heart disease.

Below are the most commonly recommended vaccinations for older adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Influenza and COVID-19

The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age and chronic conditions. The CDC recommends that adults 65-plus receive COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines are available at many community vaccination sites throughout Philadelphia. You can find a list of locations at Phila.gov/COVID-19. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) is also scheduling in-home

vaccinations for homebound individuals and their caregivers. To learn more about in-home vaccinations, call the PDPH at 215-685-5488.

In addition, the CDC recommends that older adults receive seasonal flu vaccines each year. More than 60% of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 and older, and the flu vaccine can help to protect against serious illness. The CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine before the end of October for the best chance at protection against seasonal flu strains.

Shingles

Shingles is a painful skin rash that develops on one side of the face or body.

Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past can get shingles because this virus remains in the body long after a person recovers and can re-activate many years later. Nearly one in three Americans will develop shingles in their lifetime, and the risk increases with age.

The CDC recommends that all healthy adults 50 and older receive two doses (administered two to six months apart) of the shingles vaccine, called Shingrix, to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease.

Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease, which is caused by streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections.

The CDC recommends the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (or PPSV23) for all adults 65 or older, people 2-64 with certain medical conditions, and adults 19-64 who smoke cigarettes.

While these are the vaccines recommended most broadly by the CDC, your medical provider can speak to your individual health risks and needs. Ask your doctor about which vaccines are recommended for you at your next medical appointment.

Milestones 19

Solution: The solution can be found on page 16.

Summer Time Across 1 Eve’s main man 5 Certain Yalie 9 Sale stipulation 13 Blameable woman of song 14 Schlep 15 Up front 16 Spoken 17 Senator Hatch 18 Stream 19 Timely treat

22 Fancy Dan 23 Mel Gibson role 24 Alphabetizes 26 Recipe verb 28 Tarzan teammate 31 Way off 32 GI addresses, for short 33 Exploited 34 Timely fact 37 Brainwave

38 Balzac’s being 39 Neighbor of Attu 40 Win for Hulk Hogan 41 Ella’s genre 42 Flight units 43 Overmuch 44 Moonstruck star 45 Seasonal phenomenom

52 Such a pity!

53 Amour propre 54 There ought to be____ 55 Poverty 56 Les femmes 57 Green stuff 58 Tense 59 Activist 60 Sizes up

11 Implacable 12 Baste 14 Winter woes 20 Bizarre 21 Old salt 24 Mecca man 25 “...speak with the tongues___...”

26 Leisure activity 27 Big book 28 Tin Pan

Alley grp.

29 Sneaks a look 30 Newsmen, for short 32 Proceedings 33 Have at 34 Taste tea 35 Got back 36 Corroded 41 Lay turf 42 Footwear 43 Succulent

44 Fall quaff 45 Elated 46 Called 47 Woody’s son 48 Flooring 49 “Now__ me down...”

50 Man or boy 51 Lambs’ dams 52 Bowl over

Down 1 Guy of cookie acclaim 2 Jeanne__ 3 Nanking nanny 4 Stage fare 5 Serve the bird 6 Odd, in Dundee 7 Singer Claptom 8 Energetic quality 9 Put with 10 Alone

Our Community. Our Health.

PA Health & Wellness is focused on whole health care, reflecting on a person’s total well-being and meeting each person’s unique needs.

PA Health & Wellness exists to improve the health of its beneficiaries through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. Our approach is based on the core belief that quality healthcare is best delivered locally.

Transforming the Health of the Community, One Person at a Time.

PAHealthWellness.com 1-844-626-6813