News About Aging

In response to the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the city of Philadelphia and other agencies have made resources available to older Philadelphians to stay safe, healthy and informed.

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is committed to our continuity of services during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the face of adversity, we are working hard to meet the needs of Philadelphia’s most vulnerable citizens, like the thousands of people who benefit from our home-delivered meals program. That’s something that PCA President & CEO Holly Lange takes […]

Due to issues beyond our control associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Meal Distribution Center (MDC) had to unexpectedly and suddenly close operations on Wednesday, March 18. No deliveries were made that day. We are in the process of catching up on deliveries with the help of volunteer drivers and staff. Due to this situation, the MDC is operating under emergency management procedures.

The most important aspect to remember in eating for heart health is balance.

We all know we need to eat – and drink – to live. But how much or how little is “recommended?”

PCA Nutrition Manager Amy Goldstein recently spoke with WURD Radio’s “Reality Check” about food insecurity among older adults in Philadelphia. In the interview with host Charles Ellison, Goldstein touched on several programs that PCA offers to those in need, including congregate meals at PCA-funded senior centers and home-delivered meals.

By Shannon Reyes

The lack of proper nutrition can take a harmful toll on one’s health. Known as malnutrition, this condition is especially concerning since fewer physical attributes are linked to it, making diagnosis particularly difficult. Vulnerable populations, including older adults, are often more susceptible to malnutrition. According to Defeat Malnutrition Today (DMT), a national coalition dedicated to the eradication of malnutrition in America, one in two older adults is at risk for malnutrition.

PCA will begin distributing Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) produce vouchers Monday, June 24, as part of an annual program to encourage seniors to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Eligible Philadelphia seniors can receive $20 worth of vouchers (four vouchers, each valued at $5) that can be used to purchase fresh Pennsylvania-grown produce sold at certified farmers’ markets throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding area.

Food allergies are an increasing health concern in the older adult population. Though we often think of allergies as something a person is born with, the reality is that food allergies can develop at any time in one’s life. Currently, a majority of medical research is aimed at pediatric patients. However, mounting evidence suggests that older adults may be at increased risk of food allergies compared to the general population.