Community & Connection Health and WellnessHealth and Wellness
PCA offers a wide range of health and wellness programs including chronic disease management, chronic pain management, diabetes management, falls prevention, and exercise-based programs. With the support of various community organizations, PCA brings programs to locations across Philadelphia to support older adults in their journey to good health. All programs are evidence-based, having been tested and proven to produce positive results. The overall goal is to empower older adults to be able to achieve their maximum levels of health by offering information, education, screenings and self-management skills.
Many programs are led by trained community volunteers. Programs are offered at no cost to those 60+ who live in Philadelphia County and are held at various sites throughout the city, including senior centers, apartment buildings, churches, etc.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Education and Support (CDSMES) Programs
Chronic Disease Self-Management Education and Support (CDSMES) Programs
Do you have a chronic health condition, such as arthritis, chronic pain, heart disease, or diabetes? Do you care for someone who does? PCA offers a suite of Chronic Disease Self-Management Education and Support (CSDMES) programs to help self-manage your condition and symptoms. Available programs include Chronic Disease Self-Management, Chronic Pain Self-Management, and Diabetes Self-Management. All workshops are six weeks long and meet weekly for two, half-hour sessions.
To find out more information or register for a workshop, contact PCA’s Community Engagement Department at 215-765-9000 x5119.
*Virtual and Telephone Toolkit programs available upon request*
Walk with Ease
Walk with Ease
The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease (WWE) program is an evidence-based, six-week exercise program held at PCA-funded senior centers. WWE is facilitated by a trained leader. The one-hour walking program has been shown to reduce arthritis pain, increase balance and strength, and improve the overall health of participants who have arthritis or other chronic health conditions. By participating in WWE, older adults will learn about the relationship between arthritis, pain and physical activity. They will also learn to set realistic goals and make attainable walking plans to improve their activity level.
For more information, please contact PCA’s Community Engagement Department at 215-765-9000 x5119.
EnhanceFitness
EnhanceFitness
The EnhanceFitness program was developed by Sound Generations in partnership with the University of Washington and Group Health Cooperative. It is an evidence-based exercise program for older adults at all fitness levels. EnhanceFitness classes are offered year-round, two days a week at PCA-funded senior centers. The one-hour class is led by a certified EnhanceFitness instructor. Components of each EnhanceFitness class include warm-up, balance exercises, weights (leg/arm), cardio, stretching and cool down. EnhanceFitness encourages participants to become more active, energized, and empowered to sustain independent lives.
EnhanceFitness classes are held at senior centers in the following zip codes (19104, 19116, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19125, 19128, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19140, 19142, 19143, 19144, 19145, 19147, 19152). For senior center information, please visit: Senior Centers – Philadelphia Corporation For Aging (pcacares.org)
Healthy Steps for Older Adults
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers this fall risk screening and prevention program to adults 60+. The program is designed to raise awareness of falls, introduce ways how to reduce falls, improve overall health, and provide referrals and resources. The program is taught by Certified Workshop leaders and consists of two workshops, approximately running for two hours each, held on one day, for two days, within the same week. Please contact your local senior center to inquire about Healthy Steps for Older Adults (HSOA).
A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls is a falls prevention program where older adults learn positive coping methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent. Participants learn strategies to increase their strength, reduce falls and protect themselves if they do fall. A Matter of Balance is conducted in eight sessions, each two hours long and uses group discussion, problem-solving strategies, videos and gentle physical exercise. For more information, please call 215-765-9000 ext. 5123.
Host a Health & Wellness Program
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If your organization is interested in hosting a health and wellness program, please contact PCA’s Community Engagement Department at 215-765-9000 ext. 5134.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Host Sites and Volunteers
Workshop size varies depending on the program of interest.
To become a volunteer leader, please contact PCA’s Community Engagement Department at 215-765-9000 x5134. All leaders will need to successfully complete a training program. Applicants should be comfortable speaking in a group setting, have good communication skills, must read at a 12th grade level, and have a desire to help others. Stipends are available.
Transportation is not provided. All leaders must have access to reliable transportation.
Yes! Informational sessions can be arranged and serve as an introduction to the offered workshops.