Progress Report & Updates
This section is organized around the core topics that were identified in the publication Laying the Foundation for an Age-friendly Philadelphia: A Progress Report, published in June 2011.
Click on the headings below to read individual chapters and find updates about new initiatives and research. To read the report in its entirety, click here.* Click here for a print-friendly version.*
*Note: This document is 64 pages long and contains many photographs, charts and maps. If you do not have a high-speed internet connection, you may want to "save" rather than "download" even if you do not plan to print the document. The difference between these two versions is that the print-friendly version is higher resolution, and so will take longer to save or download.
Who are Philadelphia's senior citizens, what are the challenges they face and what resources are needed to help them live independent and productive lives?
Philadelphia has the largest in-city park system in the world, which can serve as a tremendous resource for social interaction, relaxation and recreation. Yet 72% of older Philadelphians report they had not gone to a public recreation facility in the past year. What is needed to make parks senior-friendly, and to encourage seniors to utilize them?
Access to transportation is crucial to enabling people of all ages to shop, attend worship services, get to medical appointments and remain connected to others. What are the elements of Philadelphia's public transportation system and how does it serve older citizens?
Enabling senior citizens to "age in community" benefits both the individual and the greater community. How can Philadelphia's government, social service organizations and others work together to make this possible?
In a walkable neighborhood, most residents will exercise more, eat healthier foods and suffer less from obesity and the many health consequences that arise from obesity. How walkable is Philadelphia for its senior citizens?
"Social Capital" refers to the degree of trust and connectedness an individual has with neighbors, family, friends and others such as a faith community. Research shows that a high degree of social capital is associated with better health and a higher quality of life. What steps can be taken to build social capital in areas where it is weak?
Diet contributes either positively or negatively to an individual's overall health. Obesity contributes to worsening many health conditions, including diabetes, heart conditions and arthritis. How can access to fresh foods be provided in all of the city's neighborhoods?
Philadelphia has the highest proportion of people age 65+ of the 10 largest cities in the United States. This presents both opportunities and challenges for young professionals working in a broad range of disciplines, including urban planning, the arts, social work, government and philanthropy. How can they learn more about the aging population?
Recognizing that formal services alone are not enough, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has advocated for creation of an "Age-friendly Philadelphia," where government, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and those within and outside of the aging network all recognize the impact of their work on older Philadelphians. How can this effort continue to grow and attract more partners and support., which are necessary if it is to succeed?
A chapter-by-chapter listing of sources cited in the report. Additional resources can be found by clicking here.