PCA 2.0: Make Your Voices Heard
By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO
Good health is the key to living and aging well. At PCA, we know it’s about having the right information, resources and support to stay active, independent and engaged at every stage of life. That’s why the October 2025 issue of Milestones focuses on health.
You’ll find stories that speak to the diverse health needs of older adults. We cover mental health challenges, which affect many people but often go unnoticed. You’ll read about menopause, a natural stage of life that is seldom talked about openly.
October is also an exciting time at PCA. On Oct. 17, we’ll gather in Fairmount Park for our annual Senior Strut — celebrating fitness, fun and community. This event is a reminder that staying active is one of the best prescriptions for aging well.
We are also looking ahead to the future of PCA. To help us plan for the next 50 years, we’re launching PCA 2.0: Make Your Voices Heard. This is a citywide effort to learn directly from older adults, caregivers and community partners about what matters most.
At the heart of this initiative are a series of community listening sessions taking place across Philadelphia this fall. These gatherings are an opportunity to sit down with neighbors; share your experiences; and talk openly about what services, programs and supports make the biggest difference in your daily life. Listening sessions aren’t just about collecting feedback. They’re
about starting conversations, building relationships and making sure the voices of older Philadelphians are front and center in shaping PCA’s future.
In addition to the listening sessions, we’ve created a short survey so you can share your thoughts in whatever way works best for you. Whether you attend in person or online, or take the survey at
your convenience, your input will help us understand what’s working well and what needs improvement. Most importantly, what you share will directly guide PCA’s work — from advocacy to new programs to long-term strategic planning — ensuring we remain responsive to the changing needs of our communities. Learn more and share your voice at www.pcaCares.org/voices.
As you read this issue, I encourage you to think about your own health journey. What small steps can you take to strengthen your well-being today? Whether it’s connecting with a support group, walking in the park, or simply reaching out to a friend, health grows through daily actions and community support.
Together, we can build a future where every older adult in Philadelphia has the opportunity not just to live longer, but to live healthier
