News About Aging

The digital divide, which separates those who have internet access and those who do not, has often been separated by age. But bridging that gap has great benefits that are well-worth the effort.

A sampling of local attractions offering virtual museum tours and online activities.

For those living alone or separated from family, the pandemic has also impacted how much they are able to connect with loved ones. Fortunately, technology is helping people to bridge that gap.

While Philadelphia remains under stay-at-home orders, it is important to stay connected to older adults as it is estimated that between 36% and 42% of all people age 60 and older live alone in the city. During this time, PCA is urging family members and friends to check in with older adults regularly.

By Mary Anna Rodabaugh

Smartphones, computer tablets and even “smart” speakers make it easier than ever to connect “face-to-face” with loved ones across the country and the world. Technology can bring generations together in surprising ways. By learning how to operate tablets and smart devices, seniors can connect with younger people who might intuitively use the technology.

By Linda L. Riley

Lev Saunders is working on becoming everyone’s favorite grandson – the one they can call on when they need help with computers, printers, cell phones or other electronic gadgets.

Generations on Line (GoL), a nonprofit dedicated to helping seniors tackle the digital divide, has launched a free application, or “app,” that’s designed to get older adults online more easily by using small, portable computer “tablets.” The app is called Easy Tablet Help for Seniors. It is available both in the Apple App Store and in Google Play. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) is collaborating with GoL on behalf of seniors citywide to expand computer tablet training through this new app.

• Personality and Survival in Older Age: The Role of Lifestyle Behaviors and Health Status.  Debora Rizzuto, Enrico Mossello, Laura Fratiglioni, Giola Santoni, Hui-Xin Wang.  American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, December 2017 ,Volume 25, Issue 12, Pages 1363–1372.  Published online: June 8, 2017.  Conclusions: Extroverted people, who are characterized by higher optimism and high self-efficacy, are prone to healthier behaviors and better health, which may result in longer survival.
• Long-Term Services and Supports Scorecard – Emerging Innovations in Managed Long-Term Services and Supports for Family Caregivers.  Susan C. Reinhard, Wendy Fox-Grage, Lynn Friss Feinberg (AARP Public Policy Institute), Barbara Coulter Edwards, Jim Downie, Debra Moscardino  (Health Management Associates).  November 2017.

PCA has been selected as the primary partner in Philadelphia for a new Comcast Internet Essentials partnership to educate seniors about internet safety