Urban seniors in Philadelphia seeking to 'age in place' face persistent obstacles in their living environments
Don't be stuck in uncertainty while growing older in urban cities like Philadelphia! The city's filled with seniors, 21% of whom are 60 or older, according to data. Most want to "age in place" - that is, staying in their own homes and neighborhoods as they get older. But city life isn't always senior-friendly. Elders could face transportation woes, escalating rents, and social network gaps.
To construct a thriving community of seniors, city leaders and advocates suggest that roadblocks for those aging in place should be cleared. That means enhancing communication about educational opportunities, coordinating resources and programs, and creating spaces for social interaction.
Sandra Harmon, the outreach and community engagement specialist at the nonprofit Energy Coordinating Agency, agrees. "We all find ourselves in the same boat as we age," she says. "We need to break the isolation that's sometimes within our minds. We need access to resources and other seniors."
Together with other residents, Harmon shared her insights at the Parkway Central Library during our website's Bridging Blocks event. Bridging Blocks partners with the Free Library of Philadelphia to facilitate conversations across the city throughout the year.
Support and information can be challenging to find. Harmon shared that the Energy Coordinating Agency assists those at risk of losing utilities due to payment issues or faulty systems. Nan Alderson, a program navigator for Clarifi, attended the event for both personal and professional reasons. She emphasized the importance of a centralized approach to present information about assistance, support, and resources to seniors in an accessible format.
If you're interested in learning more about aging in the city, check out the Bridging Blocks events taking place March 18 at the Cobbs Creek Library and March 25 at the Lawncrest Library. Register online at our website.
For a wealth of information on aging resources, discount services, assistance programs, and guidance, visit our website's Bridging Blocks team's curated online collection. Have a personal experience or story idea to share about aging in the Delaware Valley? Email reporter Nicole Leonard at nleonard@our website.
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Navigating through available resources can be tricky. Utilize local organizations like the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) for reliable guidance and eligibility criteria. Access websites like PCA, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, and consult healthcare providers to find suitable programs. Visit community centers for face-to-face support.
Discover these invaluable resources, and empower seniors to age comfortably in their homes. It's time to transform the challenges of urban living into an opportunity to build a supportive community of seniors.
- To build a supportive community for seniors in the city, it's essential to enhance communication about educational opportunities in health-and-wellness, mental-health, and science, and create spaces for social interaction.
- Seniors, especially those facing challenges such as transportation woes, escalating rents, and social network gaps, will find support and information on aging resources, discount services, assistance programs, and guidance at local organizations, websites, and community centers.
