PCA programs help older adults age well
Healthy aging is about more than avoiding illness. It means having the information, support and resources to stay active, manage health conditions, eat healthy foods and remain independent.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) offers several programs to help older Philadelphians take charge of their health and well-being. These programs include health and wellness programs, nutrition services, and Medicare counseling.
“Healthy aging is not only about what happens in a doctor’s office,” says Wanda Mitchell, PCA’s director of Community Engagement. “It is also about making sure older adults have access to programs in their own communities that help them stay active, informed and connected.”
PCA’s health and wellness programs are free for Philadelphia residents 60 and older. Workshops are held throughout the city at senior centers, apartment buildings, houses of worship and other community locations. Many programs are led by trained community volunteers.
Through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Health and Wellness Program, PCA supports evidence-based programs that focus on exercise, managing chronic diseases and preventing falls. These programs have been tested and shown to improve health outcomes.
One of PCA’s key offerings is education and support for people living with chronic health conditions. These workshops are designed for older adults with conditions such as arthritis, chronic pain, heart disease or diabetes. Caregivers are also welcome to participate.
PCA offers programs for chronic disease management, diabetes management and chronic pain management. Each workshop series meets once a week for six weeks. Participants learn practical ways to manage symptoms, talk with health care providers, make informed health decisions and build healthy daily habits. Virtual and telephone-based options are available upon request.
PCA also offers exercise-based programs that help older adults stay active and independent. Walk With Ease, developed by the Arthritis Foundation, is a six week walking program offered at PCA-funded senior centers. It is designed for people with arthritis or other chronic health conditions and is led by trained facilitators.
Participants learn how to:
• Reduce pain and improve health with physical activity
• Set realistic goals
• Create walking plans
• Improve strength, balance and overall health
Another program, EnhanceFitness, is available at PCA-funded senior centers throughout the city. Developed by Sound Generations in partnership with the University of Washington and Group Health Cooperative, the program is designed for older adults of all fitness levels.
Classes are held year-round and led by certified instructors. Each one-hour session includes a warmup, balance exercises, strength training, aerobic activity, stretching and a cool-down period. The goal is to help participants become more active, energetic and confident in living independently.
Preventing falls is another important part of PCA’s health and wellness efforts. Falls can cause injuries, reduce independence and make older adults afraid to stay active. PCA offers programs that help participants understand their risk of falling and learn ways to lower that risk.
Healthy Steps for Older Adults is a fall-prevention program offered through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Available to adults 60 and older, the program helps participants recognize fall risks, learn prevention strategies and connect with additional resources.
A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls helps older adults reduce their fear of falling while staying active. Participants learn ways to improve strength, prevent falls and reduce the chance of injury. Sessions include group discussion, problem-solving activities, videos and gentle exercise.
“PCA’s health and wellness programs give older adults tools they can use every day,” Mitchell says. “Whether someone is learning how to manage diabetes, reduce chronic pain, prevent falls or become more physically active, these programs support independence and help people feel more confident in their health.”
PCA also works with community health organizations to provide health information, educational programs, screenings and support services for older adults. Most programs are held throughout the year at senior community centers.
Another important PCA service is Medicare counseling. Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) provides free, one-on-one counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage options, enrollment periods, benefits and programs that may reduce health care costs.
PA MEDI counselors help older adults review their coverage and make informed decisions about Medicare. Counselors can also help eligible individuals apply for programs such as Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Program, which can lower prescription drug costs, premiums and other expenses.
Good nutrition is also an important part of healthy aging. Many older adults live on fixed incomes and may have difficulty getting healthy food. PCA’s nutrition programs provide meals approved by registered dieticians to help meet older adults’ nutritional needs.
Meals are served at senior community centers across Philadelphia, where participants can enjoy lunch and spend time with others. For older adults who are unable to shop or cook, meals can also be delivered to their homes.
“Malnutrition can lead to serious health problems. But it is preventable,” says Lauren Jirinec, PCA assistant director of Health and Nutrition. “We are not just delivering food. We are delivering wellness, dignity and, in many cases, human connection. At congregate meal sites, people eat well. They also share time with friends, which is so important for mental health.”
The home-delivered meal program also provides an added layer of support for older adults who may be isolated. Delivery drivers often check in on participants during meal deliveries and can help identify concerns that may require additional services. Together, PCA’s Medicare counseling, health and wellness programs, and nutrition services provide a complete approach to healthy aging. Each program supports a different aspect of health, helping older Philadelphians stay healthy, independent and engaged in their communities.
To sign up for PCA’s health and wellness programs, including meals, fall prevention and chronic disease management workshops, and Medicare counseling, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit www.pcaCares.org.
