Get Involved
There are many ways to get involved in creating and sustaining an Age-friendly community, including individual efforts, becoming part of a larger organization and undertaking advocacy. Following are resources and contacts for a broad range of Age-friendly initiatives. To learn more about the Age-friendly Philadelphia agenda and progress to date, click here.
PCA has developed a tool kit for individuals and others who want to reach out to seniors in their neighborhood or faith community, and develop their own initiative. Visit the webpage to get started; or contact the Communications Department at 215-765-9000, ext. 5086 for copies of the brochure.
City parks can provide seniors with the opportunity for social interaction, relaxation and exercise. They can also serve as venues to build intergenerational cohesion within neighborhoods. Click here to learn more.
To learn about programs for senior citizens in Philadelphia's parks, click here.
The Philadelphia Commission on Parks and Recreation invites questions, concerns and comments about the city's parks; email: parksandreccommission@phila.gov. The Commission holds six public meetings a year, on the third Wednesday of every other month. For exact time and location of future meetings, check the "Upcoming Events" section of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance website at: www.philaparks.org
To find a park friends' group, click here.
Adequate public transportation is essential to enable senior citizens access health care, goods and services and to remain independent.
To learn about regional planning decisions related to transportation and to get involved in the planning process, contact the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), 215-592-1800 or visit the website.
To learn about the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's (SEPTA) Sustainability Plan, click here; or call 215-580-8113.
For information about the Mayor's Office of Transportation and Utilities, visit the website or call 215-686-9003.
Affordable and accessible housing is vital for senior citizens to be able to remain independent, and in the community. Zoning, building codes and planning all play important roles in the creation of a senior-friendly housing situation.
To join the Philadelphia Visitability Committee, contact Leigh Howard, Associate, Diana T. Myers and Associates, leigh@dma-housing.com, 215-576-7970.
To learn about PCA's Housing Department and its advocacy efforts and resources, contact Susan Klein, housing director, sklein@pcaphl.org or 215-765-9000 ext. 5217.
To learn about Philadelphia's Zoning Code Commission, click here.
Ensuring that sidewalks and curb cuts are maintained, and that goods and services are available within walking distance of residential areas can promote both health and independence.
To get involved with the shaping of your neighborhood, or to learn about Philadelphia's comprehensive planning process, visit Philadelphia2035.
Become a member of the Next Great City Coalition; visit the website or call 215-545-9692.
For information about PCA's research on Walkability's Impact on Senior Health (WISH) contact pcaplanning@pcaphl.org or call 215-765-9000 ext 5075.
Social capital refers to how connected a person is to the community and to others; higher social capital has been found to correlate with better health, less stress, fewer depressive symptoms and more physical activity. There are many strategies for increasing connectedness in a community.
To learn about how to set up a time bank, contact The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation, 215-895-4095.
For a blueprint on how to create a connected caring community, and ways to connect with others, click here.
Having a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the basics of healthy living. For many seniors, accessing fresh foods is a challenge.
To find the nearest farmers market in your area, and to learn about the Philly Food Bucks Program, visit the Food Trust's website.
To learn about starting a community garden for seniors, read GenPhilly's Toolkit; and sign up for the listserv by email: genphilly@gmail.com.
If you are an emerging leader and wish to join GenPhilly, email:
lring@pcaphl.org. To learn more about GenPhilly, to sign up for the listserv and to find out about upcoming events, visit the
website.We welcome your views on how to make Philadelphia more age-friendly; please take a few minutes to complete this four-question survey.