Many older people in Philadelphia want to grow old in their own homes and neighborhoods, which is known as “aging in place,” meaning they want to stay where they are comfortable and familiar instead of moving to a care home or other facility.
However, this can be difficult in a busy city like Philadelphia, where everyday life presents real challenges for seniors.
About 20% of people living in Philadelphia are 60 years old or older, which is one in every five residents.
Looking at a wider scale, more than half of the world’s population now lives in cities, and around 21% of those people are also 60 or older, so as more people reach this age, the problems they face become more important to solve.
In cities, older people face many challenges that make it hard to age in place.
First, rent can be very high, and many seniors no longer work and live on a fixed income, which makes it hard to pay for housing and cover rising costs.
Also, many homes are old and need repairs, especially heating systems or safe entryways, and getting help to fix these things is not always easy or affordable.
Second, transportation can be a problem because some older adults no longer drive, and public transportation can be hard to use, especially for those with health issues, so it is difficult for them to get to doctor visits, grocery stores, or community events.
Another big issue is isolation. Many seniors feel lonely not just because they live alone but also because they do not know where to find help or connect with others, which can make the feeling of being alone even stronger.
This problem was discussed at a recent event held at Parkway Central Library as part of WHYY’s Bridging Blocks program, where WHYY, along with the Free Library of Philadelphia, hosts events around the city to bring people together and talk about issues that matter to them, like aging in place.
At this event, Sandra Harmon shared her thoughts about the struggles many seniors face; she works at the Energy Coordinating Agency, a nonprofit that helps people at risk of losing heat and electricity.
Harmon pointed out that many seniors feel cut off because they don’t know where to find help.
For example, some people do not understand how Social Security or Medicare work, even though they qualify for these programs and need them.
Harmon said that after talking with others at the event, she felt less alone and realized that many seniors share the same worries and that better access to information could help them all feel more connected and supported.
Another person at the event, Nan Alderson, attended as both a helper and someone with personal interest; she works for Clarifi, a group that helps people with money problems and offers free advice on avoiding home foreclosure, getting loans for home repairs, and learning how to manage money.
Alderson said that seniors could benefit from these services, but many do not know how to find them.
She also said it is important to share information in ways that older people can use.
Some seniors are not comfortable using computers or smartphones, so websites and QR codes are not enough, and printed flyers or easy-to-find information at libraries or community centers can be a big help for them.
Many people at the event agreed that services for seniors are often hard to find because information is spread out, and there is no one place where seniors can get everything they need.
A central hub for services and resources could help seniors stay in their homes longer and live with more comfort and safety.
WHYY’s Bridging Blocks team is working to solve this by collecting helpful resources online, including discount programs, home repair help, and other support for aging adults.
WHYY is continuing this effort with more community conversations. One upcoming event, focused on aging in the city, will take place on March 25 at the Lawncrest Library.
People interested in attending can sign up at whyy.org.
