aging brings distinct hurdles; exploring accessible resources in Philadelphia is presented here
Supporting Philadelphia's Older Adults: A Comprehensive Guide
Philadelphia is committed to providing resources and programs for its older adults, addressing various aspects such as employment, social connection, care needs, and benefits enrollment.
Job Training and Employment
For those aged 60 and above looking to update their skills or re-enter the workforce, the Senior Community Service Employment Program offers job training opportunities. In addition, community colleges and Temple University provide job-related programming to support older adults in maintaining their employability.
Volunteer Opportunities
For older adults who prefer to stay engaged without working, volunteer programs like the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Senior Companion Program provide a perfect fit. This program matches volunteers aged 55 and older with seniors in need of companionship. Volunteers receive training, background checks, a stipend, and travel reimbursements.
Senior centers, such as Star Harbor Senior Community Center, also offer volunteer opportunities and a community atmosphere. Volunteering can help combat social isolation and support seniors aging in place.
Senior Centers
Philadelphia boasts numerous senior centers, including those affiliated with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. These centers provide socialization, fitness, and supportive community environments, and are free to join.
Benefits Enrollment Assistance and Other Support Services
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging offers resources addressing state assistance benefits, free SEPTA fares, and protection and advocacy. Programs like the Domiciliary Care Program, Older Adult Protective Services, and Ombudsman Program assist with home care support and insurance issues for seniors.
Additional Services
Adult Day Centers in the area offer supervised care with nursing, social services, activities, meals, and some medical therapies, helping older adults with health conditions and providing caregiver respite.
Combating the Challenges Faced by Older Adults
Awareness is one of the biggest issues in combating the problems older adults face. Sharlene Waller, the executive director for the Mayor's Commission on Aging, advocates for older adults and raises awareness about the issues they face.
Stigmas around aging often make older adults reluctant to ask for help, according to Katie Young, a planning manager at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. The high cost of programs geared towards older adults is a concern, but Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's programs are fully funded or have a sliding scale to provide services. Ageism can exacerbate some problems faced by older adults, but resources like the BenePhilly program offer free, personal help applying for public benefits.
Contact Information
For more information about the resources available for older adults in Philadelphia, contact the Mayor's Commission on Aging at 215-686-8450 or the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging at 215-765-9040.
Sources: - Job training & volunteer programs, senior centers: [1] - Senior Companion volunteer program: [2] - Adult Day Centers and caregiving support: [3] - Philadelphia Corporation for Aging benefits and protective services: [5]
[1] https://www.philacorpaging.org/services/senior-centers/ [2] https://www.philacorpaging.org/services/senior-companion-program/ [3] https://www.philacorpaging.org/services/adult-day-services/ [5] https://www.philacorpaging.org/services/benefits-protective-services/
The Senior Community Service Employment Program, a part of Philadelphia's resources, offers job training opportunities for older adults, contributing to the scientific aspect of maintaining employability in the health-and-wellness domain as they age. Volunteer programs like the Senior Companion Program, matched through the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, help combat social isolation among older adults, playing a significant role in their overall health and wellness during the aging process.
