Milestones Newspaper September 2022

NEWS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS

A Publication of

SEPTEMBER 2022 • FREE IN THIS ISSUE

September is National Senior Center Month! Learn more about how Philadelphia’s senior centers provide access to information, opportunities, and support to improve the lives of people as they age.

LATINO COMMUNITY RESOURCES

P6P4 ENGAGING ART PROGRAM

P12 PILLARS OF BRAIN HEALTH

P13

P5

Strengthening community connections at senior centers

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SEPTEMBER 2022

Celebrating senior centers, Hispanic heritage

By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA president & CEO

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, President and CEO PCA Board of Directors 2022-23 Satya B. Verma, O.D., Chair Glenn D. Bryan, Vice Chair Angela Foreshaw-Rouse, Secretary Louis G. Colbert, Treasurer Louis A. Bove, Esq. Nora Dowd Eisenhower, Esq. Lynn Fields Harris Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., FACOFP Sandra McNally Paul Nathanson 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 those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) and do not constitute an endorsement by PCA of any opinion, viewpoint, book, movie, website, product, or service. PCA assumes no responsibility and is not liable for errors, misprints, omissions, or misinformation in any article or advertisement published in Milestones. No part of the Milestones publication may be reproduced without the permission of PCA. ©2022 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved.

September is a special month that honors older adults through national, monthly observances of senior centers and healthy aging. This is a great time to go out and explore all that your local senior community center has to offer! It is vital that older adults remain active physically and engaged mentally. Senior centers offer ample opportunity to maintain or improve your total wellness – mind, body and soul.

All 28 of the PCA-funded senior community centers and satellite meal sites throughout Philadelphia are open to the public. Safety precautions are in place to protect older adults and center staff from COVID-19. Masks are required to be worn by everyone who enters a PCA-supported senior center. Additionally, all locations are frequently and thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to prevent the spread of illness.

While you’re at a senior center, you can engage in a variety of exercise, education and recreation activities. You’ll surely become hungry during your stay. Not to worry, all locations are providing meals to older adults. Many senior centers have returned to daily in-person congregate dining, while other locations are providing grab-and-go meals to older adults. It’s best to contact your local senior community center or satellite meal location directly to inquire about meal options and the reservation process. To locate a senior center near you, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or go to pcaCares.org/senior-centers.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept.

15 to Oct. 15. This is a time to recognize the achievements and contributions of the many Hispanic Americans who came from

Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded to a month-long observance by President Ronald Reagan in 1988. Hispanic Heritage Month starts on Sept. 15, to coincide with the anniversary of independence for several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, I welcome you to learn about the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic Americans who have inspired others to achieve success.

This month’s Milestones includes several interesting and useful articles for Philadelphia’s older adult Hispanic and Latino community. The Recipe Box offers popular traditional Latin cuisine for you to try.

There is also information about senior centers and other community resources that offer specialized services in both English and Spanish. Among these resources is the PCA Helpline (215-765-9040), which is staffed by English and Spanish speakers.

PCA’s website at pcaCares.org offers automatic translation in 15 languages, including Spanish.

Funded by PCA

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SEPTEMBER 2022

SENIOR CENTER SPOTLIGHT

Active, holistic atmosphere at Firehouse Active Adult Center

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh It is a Friday morning, and the Firehouse Active Adult Center in West Philadelphia is bustling with energy.

Within the brick walls and red-colored doors of a renovated firehouse, you will find a robust gathering of older adults attending a health presentation by Penn Medicine, picking the best table for morning bingo, working out in a group fitness class, or picking up a grab-andgo meal. Soon, staff would be setting up for the daily in-person congregate lunch, which has resumed at the center.

“I like that I can come here and get out and socialize with people in my general age group,” says member Azalia Garner, 70, of West Philadelphia. “I like that they have so many programs that I can participate in.”

Garner, who has been a member of the center for about six months, participates in many activities including working out on the treadmill, doing word puzzles and playing bingo. But her favorite activity is the crochet class.

“I’ve crocheted a few grocery bags and now everybody in the group is crocheting grocery bags in all different colors and designs,” Garner said.

In addition to the programming offered, Garner has a deep appreciation for the continued safety efforts the staff enforces to protect the health of its older adult members. These efforts include temperature checks and required mask wearing by all who enter the building.

Supporting mental health

Since his arrival in October 2021, Center Director of Firehouse Active Adult Center Ruben Hoggard, MSW, M.Div.,

Mary Anna Rodabaugh

has taken a holistic approach to the center’s operations and programming. In less than a year, Hoggard has paved the way for several mental and emotional health initiatives at the center.

“The holistic approach is dealing with the body, the mind and the spirit,” Hoggard says. “I dive in and break those areas down.”

Hoggard offers counseling and also leads a weekly men’s group. Individual counseling is offered three days a week.

Grief counseling is open to members of the center and the community. By using tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, strength-based approach therapy and coping skills, Hoggard helps members understand and communicate their feelings.

As a leader with a true hands-on approach, you may find Hoggard filling in for his custodian, helping a member play bingo or leading the weekly Bible study.

“Mr. Reuben will talk with us,” said member Robin Crittendon, 67, of West Philadelphia. She has been a member

for eight years and serves on the center’s Member Advisory Board. Crittendon also enjoys playing games, such as word search and bingo.

Addressing community needs

A typical day for Jacqueline King, Firehouse center counselor, is spent assisting members with rent rebates, citizenship or green card applications, and locating housing resources. King does a little bit of everything to support the center’s members, as well as individuals in the West Philadelphia community.

“As a counselor, I like to get to the point of what the person came in for,” King said.

“I like advocating (for the needs of older adults).” She also works hard to highlight what events are happening in the community so members can take advantage of free resources and local activities.

When the center opened fully after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions eased, King noticed more older adults participating in the center’s computer and tablet classes. She quickly learned

they wanted to know more about social media and how to use it. King also encourages members to sign up for a free email account, since an email address is often needed to access online portals and to receive important information.

But King’s job is not all business. With a diverse background and penchant for programming, King enjoys assisting with the center’s activities. Her vision board group was a favorite among members.

“Our center is a recreation center for active adult members to come and enjoy themselves,” King said. “We’ve had DJs, art shows, comedy shows and trips.” She noted the Atlantic City trips are an alltime member favorite.

Whether you want to make new friends, start a new workout routine, get creative, enjoy breakfast and lunch, or address your emotional health, Firehouse Active Adult Center has exactly what you need.

“It is a phenomenal place to be,” Crittendon said.

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

Firehouse Active Adult Center, located at 5331 Haverford Ave. in West Philadelphia, is managed and funded

by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). The center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are many services offered: grab-and-go meals, fitness classes, bingo, art classes, brain games, health workshops, counseling, social service resources, pinochle, parties, trips and much more! For more information stop by the center, call 215-472-6188 or visit facebook.com/FirehouseActiveAdultCenter.

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Everyone is welcome: Senior centers embrace diversity

By Bill Conallen Celebrated every year in September, National Senior Center Month is a time to shine a light on senior community centers with a specific focus on showing the entire nation how vital they are to the health and well-being of older adults. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) works to meet this commitment by supporting a slate of diverse programming and events at senior community centers that reflects the multicultural makeup of Philadelphia’s older adults.

“National Senior Center Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the dedication of our staff, who have worked diligently behind the scenes to provide practical resources to older adults during these ‘incredibly challenging times of the pandemic,” said Esther Lee, PCA’s assistant director of community engagement. “To achieve this goal, it is of vital importance that our programming reflects the diversity of communities we call home.”

Thousands of older Philadelphians find community and connection at the network of 28 PCA-funded senior community centers and satellite meal sites throughout the city. Programs include wellness workshops, exercise classes, foreign language lessons and countless other activities that are meant to foster friendships and lasting connections throughout the communities each center serves. Most of the senior centers that PCA supports host special events throughout the year that aim to empower diverse older adults to embrace holistic aging and independence.

Supporting community, connection

KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia, located at 10100 Jamison Ave., serves immigrants from over 40 different countries and individuals of diverse identities, including Philadelphia’s Jewish community. The cen-

ter offers educational programs, including lectures, English as a Second Language and technology classes offered in multiple languages, culturally relevant clubs, socialization programs and events, and health and wellness initiatives. Among KleinLife’s offerings are the Russian Satellite program that serves Russian-speaking older adults from the former Soviet Union, including Ukraine; the Korean Social Circle; meals programs; health services, including an on-site Senior Care Nurse Practitioner and wellness program for Holocaust survivors; and lectures where people born in the United States and those coming from other countries can come together. KleinLife also provides a supportive space for people of all abilities, including people who are living with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. KleinLife: Northeast Philadelphia is open weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information: 215-6987300 | KleinLife.org

Celebrating Asian heritage

Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts (PSC – Arts), located at 509 S. Broad St. in central Philadelphia, also houses the Asian Pacific Resource Center that provides mostly Chinese older adults with in-house social services and online resources. PSC – Arts serves Asian cuisine each Wednesday, during its congregate meal program. Many of the participants are from diverse cultural backgrounds and enjoy the opportunity to partake in a delicious Asian meal and connect with members of their community with whom they might not otherwise interact. PSC – Arts is open weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For information: 215-546-5879 | PhilaSeniorCenter.org Juniata Park Older Adult Center (JPOAC), located at 1251 E. Sedgley Ave. in Northeast Philadelphia, has long strived to be a welcoming haven for older Philadelphians. The center’s mission is to

PCA archives

include diversity in all its programming.

Prior to the pandemic, JPOAC hosted an English as a Second Language program for its large Asian membership. Among the programs offered at JPOAC are tai chi and mahjong, which are both enjoyed by the growing Hispanic and Chinese populations at the center. Previous cultural activities hosted by JPOAC included a Lunar New Year celebration and intergenerational programs, held in coordination with local elementary schools, that focused on the holidays. Juniata Park Older Adult Center is open weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information: 215-685-1490 | Facebook.com (Search for “Juniata Park Older Adult Center”)

Celebrating LGBTQ Pride

PCA’s Southwest Senior Center, located at 6916 Elmwood Ave., is committed to honoring and accepting LGBTQ+ elders and allies. In 2016, the center hosted its first Senior Center Pride Day through the initiative of Center Director Paulette Cunningham in her commitment to bring diversity and inclusiveness to the center.

Southwest Senior Center has since hosted several LGBTQ+-friendly events, including SAGE Table that brings together LGBTQ+ people of different generations.

This year, the center hosted LGBTQ+ Pride Day on June 30 and invited certified SAGE Trainer Terry Clark to facilitate the program. LGBTQ+ support groups and SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders) programs are also offered at Northern Living Center, Center in the Park, KleinLife and Martin Luther King Older Adult Center. For information about Southwest Senior Center: 215-937-1880 | Facebook. com/SouthwestSeniorCenter “We constantly discover that older adults are open to change and are not fixed in their thinking,” said Lee. “They are excited to learn and continue to grow. 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. Each month, we make it a priority to present programming that provides an engaging experience for older Philadelphians that fulfills them in mind, body and soul.”

To learn more about Philadelphia’s senior community centers, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org/SeniorCenters.

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

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Highlighting Latino community outreach, resources iStock

ing there are plenty of Spanish-speaking staff and participants. For more information, call 215-685-9844.

Health and wellness resources

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh National Hispanic Heritage Month in September is the perfect opportunity to highlight the many valuable resources available to support the unique cultural needs of the Latino community. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) works to foster connection between community resources and Philadelphia’s older adult ethnic and cultural minority communities.

“What I enjoy the most is making sure the Latino community has access to resources, and I am able to make those connections, whether it is resources within PCA or the community,” says Lissette Sarfraz, PCA’s Latino outreach coordinator. “When I’m helping them navigate the system, it is almost like helping my grandparents in a way.”

Many of those resources come from PCA’s Latino Advisory Council, which is comprised of professionals and volunteers who work with Latino older adults. The

devoted members represent various social service, nonprofit and community agencies. The council meets quarterly to discuss aging-services resources, plan events and explore any issues that Latino older adults may be facing.

Many older adult Latinos struggle with finding proper health care and guidance.

To combat these barriers, Sarfraz attends community health fairs and translates information from PCA’s Community Relations Department into Spanish.

Latino older adults and their caregivers who call PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040 have access to Spanish-speaking staff who can assist with a variety of needs. PCA’s website at pcaCares.org offers automatic translation in Spanish and 14 other various languages.

Bilingual senior centers

When you are looking to participate in activities and events with older adults who share parts of your heritage, a senior community center can be the perfect place

to forge new friendships and enhance an active lifestyle. Philadelphia is home to several predominantly Spanish-speaking senior centers that offer activities older adult Latinos can enjoy.

Norris Square Senior Community Center, located at 2121 N. Howard St. in North Philadelphia and operated by Catholic Housing and Community Services, offers opportunities for socialization, recreation, physical exercise, education and nutritional support.

“It is great because Norris Square Senior Community Center prepares meals that are culturally familiar to the (Latino) community,” Sarfraz says.

For more information, call 215-4237241 or visit chcsphiladelphia.org/senior-centers.

Mann Older Adult Center, temporarily housed in Juniata Older Adult Center at 1251 East Sedgley Ave. in the Northeast, offers recreational trips, in-house events, and access to food and wellness services.

Latino older adults can feel at home know-

Finding proper health care and navigating the complicated pathways through Medicare can be cumbersome for older adults and their caregivers. The Maria de Santos Health Center, located at 401 W. Allegheny Ave., offers community-focused health care, including preventive care, podiatry, dental and more.

The center accepts all insurances and has a sliding-fee discount scale for patients who meet certain income eligibility requirements. For more information, call 215-291-2500 or visit dvch.org/maria-delos-santos-health-center.

Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) is a Latino-based health, human services, community and economic development nonprofit organization serving the Philadelphia area. Located at 1900 N. 9th St., APM offers behavioral health and emergency resources. Translation is provided. For more information about AMP’s programs and initiatives to benefit Latino older adults and families, call 267-2967200 or visit apmphila.org.

In addition to health care resources, Sarfraz says the Latino population is also under-represented in clinical research studies. For that reason, she serves on the clinical advisory board for the University of Penn Nursing Tiempo Junotos para la Salud (Time Together for Health) Research Study. This new study addresses the National Institute on Aging’s strategic goals by promoting safe and structured opportunities for physical activity among Spanish-speaking Latinos 55 and older.

According to the American Psychological Association, cardiovascular diseases are second highest cause of death for Lati-

SEPTEMBER 2022

nos, behind cancer. For more information about the study, contact Adriana Perez, PhD, ANP-BC, FAAN, associate professor of nursing at University of Pennsylvania at 215-746-1840 or go to nursing.upenn.edu and type “tiempo junotos” in the search box. *** PCA coordinates Asian, African/Caribbean, Latino, and clergy/interfaith advisory councils that include a network of Philadelphia organizations providing culturally

appropriate resources to the city’s older adults. These advisory councils each meet quarterly and also come together annually for a joint meeting. Council members contribute expertise and provide specific information regarding the needs of their communities. For more information about resources and services for Philadelphia’s ethnic and minority older adults, contact the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

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

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

Additional resources There are many additional resources available for Latino older adults. These include: • The Latino Partnership Initiative of Philadelphia Prevention Partnership works to improve the quality of life for Latinos in Philadelphia, serving as a catalyst to unify, build, advocate and implement a comprehensive common agenda. 1600 Church St. | 215613-7013 | PartnershipPhily.com/lpi • HACE, a nonprofit community development organization, has created a supportive community for older adults through the development of affordable rental housing and construction of a Life Center that provides older adults with social and health services so they can remain at home as long as possible. The Network of Care program at HACE helps older adults complete the paperwork necessary to access services, advocates on their behalf, and provides links to outside resources. 167 W. Allegheny Ave., Suite 200 | 215- 426-8025 | HACEcdc.org • Concilio serves as a catalyst for maintaining and celebrating the cultural

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heritages and histories of diverse Latino communities. It offers numerous resources, educational programs and cultural. 141 E. Hunting Park Ave. | 215-627-3100 | ElConcilio.net • Taller Puertorriqueño (Taller) describes itself as “the cultural heart of Latino Philadelphia” and dedicates itself to elevating and preserving Puerto Rican and Latino culture through arts and cultural programming. For over four decades, the Taller’s Lorenzo Homar Gallery has been the region’s only gallery dedicated to Puerto Rican and Latinx Art, highlighting contemporary artists from Philadelphia, the nation and Puerto Rico. 2600 N. 5th St. | Art gallery hours: Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | 215-426-3311 | TallerPR.org • The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has an Office for Hispanic Catholics that offers events, programs and support to Latino Catholics of all ages in Philadelphia. 222 N. 17th St., 8th Floor | 215-667-2820 | Bilingual (English/ Spanish) website: oficinahispanacatolica.org.

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

September 2022

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

NATIONA SEPTEMBER 13 RESOURCE INFO FOR IMMIGRANTS

General meeting with guest speaker Cathryn Miller-Wilson, executive director of HIAS Pennsylvania. 7 p.m. The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim. 215-677-1600 | Free

SEPTEMBER 3-4 WE ARE THE SEEDS

Celebrate Indigenous artists, performers and creators. PECO Multicultural Series.

Time: TBD. Cherry Street Pier. 215-9222FUN | Free

SEPTEMBER 4 BRAZILIAN DAY FESTIVAL

Celebrate the diversity in Philadelphia with a series of cultural festivals.

PECO Multicultural Series. 1-7 p.m.

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. 215922-2FUN | Free

SEPTEMBER 7 DOLLAR DAY

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts, front porch. 215-546-5879 | Free to attend

SEPTEMBER 8 BEEF, BEER & BELLY LAUGHS SEPTEMBER 5

Entertainment by comedian Jim Daly & Friends. 6 p.m. Chaverim & Men’s Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim.

215-677-1600 | Tickets: $30

SEPTEMBER 10 WORLD SUICIDE PREVETION DAY TUESDAYS MUSIC APPRECIATION CLASS

Listening to music can evoke powerful & emotional experiences. A knowledgeable leader guides the group in new & diverse music in various genres, including classical, vocal, country, rhythm & blues, jazz, soul and folk. 1:45-3 p.m. Journey’s Way. 215-487-1750, ext. 1101 | Free

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | 988lifeline.org

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SEPTEMBER 13 BIRTHDAY BINGO

Celebrate September birthdays with games & cupcakes. 12:30 p.m. Raymond & Miriam Klein Center. 215-698-7300 | Free: Some special games for $0.25 each.

SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15 HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH SEPTEMBER 17 HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMUNITY DAY

Senior Pavilion, games, prizes, giveaways. Free haircuts, massages & backpacks. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Deliverance Evangelistic Church. 215-391-4180 | Free

AL SENIOR CENTER MONTH SEPTEMBER 18 HIV/AIDS & AGING AWARENESS DAY Details: nhaad.org

SEPTEMBER 18 MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY FESTIVAL

Cultural activities, music, food, traditional arts & crafts, & dancing.

PECO Multicultural Series. 2- 8 p.m.

Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing.

215-922-2FUN | Free

SEPTEMBER 21 THE MAGIC BOX: HOW RADIO TRANSFORMED AMERICA

Alexander Magoun, outreach historian with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, will present a virtual program on the height of radio from 1920-50. 11 a.m. Host: Free Library of Philadelphia. 215-686-5331 | Register: bit.ly/the-magic-box

MONDAYS, SEPT. 26 TO OCT. 31 COMMON THREADS: DIABETES

Six-week, phone-based self-management program to help Philadelphians 60-plus take charge of diabetes & symptoms, including fatigue, pain & stress. Additional topics: improving strength & endurance, healthy eating and menu planning, blood sugar & medication management, foot care & communication. 10-11 a.m. Host: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

Register: 215-765-9000, ext. 5119 | Free

SEPTEMBER 27 RONALD CAMPBELL CONCERT

1-2 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts. Register: 215546-5879 | Free

SEPTEMBER 20 FLU SHOTS

Vaccines provided by Savon Acme.

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Raymond & Miriam Klein Center. 215-698-7300 | Free

SEPTEMBER 20-23 REGIONAL CONFERENCE ON AGING

Presented by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. Details: pcaCares.org | 215-765-9000, ext. 5065 (Cost: $20-40 per session)

SEPTEMBER 20 & 21 AARP DRIVERS TRAINING COURSE Car insurance discount for course completion. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. West Philadelphia Senior Community Center. 215-386-0379 | $20 for AARP members; $25 for non-members

SEPTEMBER 23 ROSH HASHANAH CELEBRATION

Make 5783 the sweetest year. Fun program led by Rabbi Sandra Berliner, includes delicious festive meal & live music. 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Raymond & Miriam Klein Center.

215-698-7300 | Free

SEPTEMBER 25 PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE

Cultural celebration with traditional Latino music, poetry & dancing.

12-3 p.m. Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

215-627-3100 | Free

SEPTEMBER 25-27 ROSH HASHANAH

SEPTEMBER 28 RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE

Held in honor of Sickle Cell Awareness Month. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Philadelphia Senior Center – Avenue of the Arts.

Register: 215-546-5879 | Free

SEPTEMBER 30 ONEG SHABBAT YOM KIPPUR YIZKOR

Reflect on this past year & honor the loved ones you have lost. 10:30 a.m.

Raymond & Miriam Klein Center. 215698-7300 | Free

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SEPTEMBER 2022

Recipe Box

Traditional Latin American dishes add spice to your meals Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican grilled street corn) Mexican cuisine uses diverse flavors to make plain corn creamy, savory and even spicy. Elote is a typical Mexican street food. You’ll see it everywhere in the streets of Mexico City, sold next to tacos on street carts. The sweet, tender corn kernels are covered by soft Mexican crema. A small layer of cotija (dry Mexican cheese) is sprinkled on top as a light savory layer. And finally, the chili powder on the outermost layer gives the ultimate explosive taste with every single bite.

Ingredients: 6 to 8 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed ½ cup Mexican crema (Substitute: sour cream) ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup chopped cilantro 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ tsp. ground chipotle pepper, to taste 2 tsp. finely grated lime zest from 1 lime 2 tbsp. lime juice (from 1 lime) ½ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (Substitute: grated Parmesan or crumbled feta) Lime wedges, to serve Directions: In a bowl, whisk together the crema, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, chipotle pepper, lime zest and lime juice. Taste iStock

Crossword Puzzle Solution (See page 15 for clues)

and season the mixture with salt if needed. Set aside.

Place the husked corn directly onto grill grates. Grill the corn for about 3 minutes, undisturbed, or until kernels begin to turn golden brown and look charred.

Turn corn over and repeat. When all sides are browned, remove from the grill.

Using a brush or a spoon, coat each ear of corn with the crema mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and additional chipotle pepper, if desired. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Source: Simply Recipes

Argentinian Beef Empanadas This pastry or turnover that’s filled with savory ingredients then baked or fried is a favorite finger food in Argentina. The name comes from the verb “empanar” meaning “to wrap or coat in bread or dough.” Popular fillings include ground or minced beef, chicken, or even a ham-and-cheese combo.

Ingredients: 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 lb. ground beef (20% fat) 2 medium onions, chopped 2 small red bell peppers, seeded and chopped Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper 3 tbsp. ground cumin 2 tbsp. sweet paprika 1 tbsp. dried oregano ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper 1½ cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth 2 tsp. sugar ½ cup raisins 3 packages (12 each) puff pastry dough for turnovers/empanadas (preferably Goya) ½ cup pitted green olives, rinsed well and cut in half lengthwise Directions: Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a large pot over high heat. Cook ground beef, breaking up with a spoon, until browned but not completely cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Transfer beef to a medium bowl with a slotted spoon, leaving as much fat in pan as possible.

Reduce heat to medium and cook chopped onion and pepper with remaining 1 tbsp. oil, stirring, until tender but not browned, 6-8 minutes. Season vegetables with salt and black pepper, cumin, sweet paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chicken stock and reserved beef, along with any accumulated juices to pot. Stir in sugar, 4 tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring

iStock

and scraping up any brown bits, until most of the liquid is evaporated, 15-20 minutes; taste and season with salt and black pepper, if needed. Stir in raisins. Transfer to a medium bowl, cover, and chill at least 3 hours.

(Note: Beef filling can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated until ready to use.)

Preheat oven to 375°. Let puff pastry dough sit at room temperature 15 minutes to temper. Remove 6 rounds from package, keeping plastic divider underneath, and arrange on a work surface. Place 2 tbsp. filling in the center of each round. Top with 2 olive halves. Brush water around half of outer edge of each round.

Using plastic divider to help you, fold round over filling and pinch edges to seal.

Using a fork, crimp edges. Remove plastic and transfer empanada to a parchment-lined sheet tray, spacing 1” apart. Repeat with remaining rounds (about 12 empanadas on each tray).

Bake empanadas, rotating tray halfway through, until golden brown and slightly darker around the edges, 25-35 minutes. (Unbaked empanadas can be made 3 months ahead, and frozen on a sheet tray.)

Source: EatingWell

SEPTEMBER 2022

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Senior Strut A Health Event in the Park

Presented by Friday, October 14 • 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon Lloyd Hall, 1 Boathouse Row, Kelly Drive One mile kick-off walk led by James Day & the Fish Fry Band • Health screenings Free t-shirts • Always Best Care health stage • Healthy snacks • DJ TICKETS ARE $5 AND MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE Contact: Zina.VanSciver@pcaCares.org or 215-765-9000, ext. 5055 or ext. 5086, or go to PCAcares.org/strut Supported by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

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Art program helps people living with dementia

By Jay Nachman ARTZ Philadelphia is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to using group interactions around arts and culture to enhance the quality of life and well-being of people living with dementia and their care partners, according to Susan Shifrin, who founded the organization in 2013.

“Our mission is to reach anyone and everyone who is affected by dementia-relat-

ed conditions of any kind,” she said.

ARTZ Philadelphia presents evidence-based programs that connect people who are living with dementia and those they love to artists and cultural organizations. These connections help build caring and supportive communities that restore and preserve the self-esteem and dignity of participants, regardless of their race, background, address or economic resources.

“For those living with dementia, engaging in the arts, whether it’s a visit to a museum or a concert, enhances the quality of their lives, inspires creativity, and empowers self-expression and continued self-realization,” Shifrin said.

Through ARTZ Philadelphia programs, care partners of people living with dementia rediscover the relationships with their loved ones. “They (care partners)

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see (their loved ones) in a very different setting. They see them responding to art.

They see them offering insights, which are often extraordinary. And they remember, ‘oh, yes, this is what I love about this person. I love his sense of humor. And he’s making everyone laugh.’”

That was the experience of Susan (last name omitted for privacy) following the dementia diagnosis of her husband, Daniel, who now lives in a care facility.

“There’s not that much that a person with Alzheimer’s and a caregiver can do together,” she said.

ARTZ Philadelphia programs provided human interaction, beyond taking walks and going out for coffee.

“It was a lot of stimulation, a lot of interaction; it was very positive,” said Susan, 65, of Center City. “And it was something we could do together. I could make some comments about art. He could make some comments, and it felt closer to normal. He had a lot to say, at least in the beginning.

There isn’t a lot out there like that.”

Daniel was a drummer, so he had an artistic side. “Music was a huge part of his life,” she said.

Equally valuable to Susan was the respite and support she received from her peers. ARTZ Philadelphia offers conversation groups to provide support and community for caregivers who are in similar situations.

“They’re going through the same thing,” she said. “When my husband was at home, they knew exactly everything I was talking about.”

Besides being able to unburden herself, fellow members of ARTZ Philadelphia groups were able to share practical advice about what worked for them. “That made a big difference,” said Susan.

By design, care partners find a different kind of support with ARTZ Philadelphia.

“The goal of our programs is to stimulate care partners intellectually and to engage

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Courtesy of ARTZ Philadelphia

Sylvia M. paints a colorful pattern at an “ARTZ in the Making” program.

them creatively,” Shifrin said. “All the things we do with the people they’re caring for also give them (a mental break), say, two hours where what they’re thinking about has nothing to do with illness.”

In addition to being an accessibility advocate, Shifrin is an art historian, curator and educator. She founded ARTZ Philadelphia after hosting a series of workshops and programs for visitors living with dementia at the Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College, in Collegeville, where she was the museum’s educator for a number of years.

“It showed me in a very palpable way the power of creating a safe space, a validating space and being able to have a common, shared experience,” Shifrin said.

Prior to the pandemic, ARTZ Philadelphia served about 2,000 people living with dementia-related conditions and their caregivers each year. While taking tentative steps to establish safe, in-person programming, much of ARTZ Philadelphia’s programs and resources are now online, allowing the organization to serve approximately 8,000 people nationwide.

“We do absolutely everything we can to help people feel safe, welcomed, comfortable and joyful,” Shifrin said. *** For more information about ARTZ Philadelphia’s free programs, call 610721-1606 or go to ArtzPhilly.org.

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

SEPTEMBER 2022

Milestones 13

Getting smart about brain health

By Jay Nachman

The human brain is complex and complicated. “We don’t fully understand the brain to begin with,” said Dr. Mijail Serruya, co-director of Jefferson’s Center for Neurorestoration. “The brain is still this huge unknown frontier, and there are many things we just don’t understand. To know how it changes with age and what’s normal and not normal, I don’t think anyone really knows.”

But there is hope. “Almost any neurologic condition, brain injury or disease that you can think of, there are people working on it,” he said.

Among Jefferson Health’s doctors, scientists, clinicians and physician-scientists there are experts on autism research, Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injuries, strokes, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. There also are bench scientists,

who carry out experiments in a laboratory, trying to uncover the molecular basis of these conditions.

In laboratories, there are experiments “happening in a dish” with cells or non-human animal models. There are clinical trials with human beings with various conditions who are getting brain scans and getting new kinds of interventions.

According to the National Institute on Aging, as a person gets older, certain parts of the brain shrink, especially those important to learning and other complex mental activities. These changes in the brain can affect mental function, even in healthy older people. For example, some older adults may find that they don’t do as well as younger individuals on complex memory or learning tests. However, if given enough time to learn a new task, they usually perform just as well. Needing that extra time is normal. There is grow-

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ing evidence that the brain maintains the ability to change and adapt so that people can manage new challenges and tasks as they age.

Dr. Serruya is working on developing wearable and implantable medical devices to restore function following a stroke, which is the second leading cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.

His work also tackles cognition by investigating new kinds of digital tools to help people with loss due to stroke, Alzheimer’s disease or other vascular diseases, as well has head injuries, depression

and sleep problems.

One tool he is working on with collaborators is a “Smart Prompt” study that uses digital reminders with voices that people find the most important to them, such as a family member.

The timeline from laboratory research to patient use can take anywhere from 10 to 20 years for biomedical discoveries in drugs and devices.

One important recent and underrecognized discovery, which Jefferson Health calls Skills2Care, is an approved best pracContinued on page 14

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Milestones 14

Brain health

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tice caregiving program that has passed strict criteria. Rigorously and scientifically studied, Dr. Serruya said it involves an occupational therapist visiting the home and working with the individual and family members to problem solve and improve everyday function. Certain types of insurance, including certain Medicare plans, may cover the program for six visits.

“If that had been a pill, it would have been considered revolutionary in terms of being able to allow a person to continue living in their own home for another six months, another year, or another two or three years,” he said.

When people ask Dr. Serruya for advice on how to help their brain, he recommends five pillars of brain health.

The first pillar is exercise. The American Heart Association states a person needs 150 minutes of out-of-breath aerobic exercise per week. “And no matter how old someone is, even if they’re 110, there is going to be some sort of activity that they can do safely that will give them an aerobic workout,” Dr. Serruya said. “Even if it’s seated, even if it’s chair yoga or whatever.

And if they can’t get aerobic because of cardiac issues, they can at least usually do strengthening or range of motion. That’s proven over and over again to be more effective than taking medicine.”

Another pillar is sleep hygiene. You should have a regular sleep schedule and

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get enough hours of sleep at night, so that you wake up in the morning and don’t fall asleep in the middle of the day.

A third pillar is diet. “We know that a healthy Mediterranean diet makes a big difference for brain health,” Dr. Serruya said. The Mediterranean diet is based on the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, are the foundation of the diet. Red meat and sweets are eaten only occasionally.

The final two pillars are cognitive and social engagement. “Do what you enjoy doing, whether its Wordle, a crossword puzzle or Sudoku,” Dr. Serruya said. “Also good are lectures, playing music and reading a book. The main thing is to engage the brain.”

Humans are social beings. “It’s necessary for our brain health to be interacting with other people,” he said. “That is part of our biology, and the brain needs interaction. If we’re totally isolated, that’s not healthy for the brain. Those pillars of brain health are the key.” *** For more information about brain health, go to the National Institute of Aging’s website at nih.gov/health/topics/ brain-health.

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

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SEPTEMBER 2022

Crossword

Health Brief

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Trade limits for rewards

Start thinking less about your limitations and more about what activities are good for your physical and mental health. Getting outside and being active serves you well and helps reduce daily eye issues, like dryness and eye fatigue. Instead of focusing on a negative association, reward yourself daily with an outdoor walk or exercise break where there is no screen and only natural light.

Embrace telehealth

User-friendly digital health technology can help keep us moving, connected and productive. Health care has embraced telehealth and virtual care technologies to shift from in-person-only care delivery to a mix of virtual and in-person care. Tools, like virtual video visits, remote health monitoring and e-consults with specialists, connect

Across 1 Open some 5 Nuclear particles 10 Bird call 14 West of Kans.

15 Like ___: probably 16 Con game 17 Wise words start 20 US cabinet post 21 Anjou apples

Take care of your hearing

Hearing plays a vital role in cognitive and overall health. Studies have linked hearing loss to dementia, anxiety, poor balance, social isolation, depression, low self-esteem, decreased alertness, and slower recall speed.

Hearing well is crucial to maintaining an active, social and productive lifestyle. To keep hearing well, limit exposure to excessively loud sounds. Get your hearing checked regularly and get hearing help, if needed.

Solution: The solution can be found on page 10.

Wise Words

Tips on aging well in 2022

For Healthy Aging Month in September, here is some sage advice on aging well from the Forbes Health advisory board.

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22 Allude 23 Function 24 Twine 27 Rueful 31 Bunkers 32 In force 33 Lenore poet 34 Leonard and Milland 35 Building posting

36 Wise words II 37 Bygone 38 Soothe 39 Foxy female 40 ’20s hairdo 42 Certain plastics 43 Queue 44 Get outscored 45 Soil sweetener 48 Grigris

52 Wise words end 54 Bran source 55 Plains Indian 56 Sparkling wine 57 ’34 chemistry Nobelist 58 Simian, for short 59 Low alcohol beer

10 “Live from ___” 11 Annelid 12 Chalet feature 13 Former presidents 18 Moran and Gray 19 Reliable 23 Sublease 24 Thong 25 Comic lead-in

26 Synthetic fiber 27 Is outshone 28 Space-age glue 29 Fresh 30 Salad years 32 Curtaining 35 Become 36 Tennis official 38 Bedspread 39 Drop in

41 First-rate 42 Enfranchised 44 Inveigled 45 Matty or Felipe 46 Regan’s father 47 Actress Jackson 48 Greek cheese 49 Legwear 50 This, for Pablo 51 Show life 53 Poetic word

Down 1 Play opener 2 A Barrymore 3 Thanks ___!

4 Health food, for some 5 Fumbling for 6 “___ an arrow . . . ” 7 ___ about: circa 8 Start to nap 9 Hurry up!

patients with their providers effectively and keep people healthy at home.

Maintain stimulation

The secret to aging well may be participating in activities, interests and relationships that you enjoy; keeping your sense of humor; and staying cognitively stimulated.

Continue to do the things that got you this far: take care of your body, develop and maintain relationships that matter, continue to learn and be intellectually challenged, contribute to the world and start each day with positivity.

Take a balanced approach

The ability to age healthfully depends on how you invest in your body. Staying physically active, maintaining a well-balanced diet and being mentally alert will foster a comfortable healthy aging experience. Eat colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and fewer processed foods. Get a good night’s sleep. Try to set aside at least 15 minutes a day for exercise and another 15 for meditation or mindfulness exercises.

Source: Forbes Health