Older adults can find friendship and fun at senior centers across Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

At Norris Square Senior Community Center, Grupo Alegria practices every Tuesday.

"We try to honor our traditions, especially our Latinos traditions and culture," says Esperanza Lopez, Associate Service Coordinator for Norris Square Senior Community Center.

Susan Skerrett, a member of the dance group, shows off a candunga they made for an upcoming community dance performance.

"Grupo Alegria means joy, group of joy," says Lopez.

Lopez started the group in 2022 to restore a sense of community post-pandemic.

"Senior centers really bring out the opportunity to provide independence and get involved in the community. They are a vital hub for people," says Jacqui Makowski, Senior Center Supervisor for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).

"I love it. I love to dance," says Skerrett.

"So many friendships are developed," says Makowski.

"It has really changed my life," says Carmen Ramos, member of Grupo Alegria. "We're more than members here. We're family."

"And I feel so proud to be in this group," says Bethzaida Butler, former center manager of Norris Square Senior Community Center and current member of Grupo Alegria. "I'm originally from Puerto Rico."

They perform at community events, like PCA's annual talent show.

"We have a Plena from Puerto Rico. We have Cumbia, a Colombian Cumbia," says Lopez.

And now, the group is working on a Peruvian dance too.

Folk costumes are made in sewing class. The group does research to model their outfits after traditional dress that would be worn for each different culture's respective dances.

"And these are all ribbons, put one-by-one, one-by-one," says Skerrett.

In West Philadelphia, the Firehouse Active Adult Center offers an array of activities throughout the day.

"We have chair yoga. We have Tai chi. And for those trying to get their steps in, in a fun way, line dancing," says Makowski.

The barbershop game room offers ping pong and pool.

"It's really just an opportunity to socialize," she says. "We also do Pokeno."

Senior centers around the city offer classes in computers and art.

"Many of our centers do have choirs and each one has its own unique identity," she says.

Older adults can also pick up a meal at their local center.

"All of our senior centers in Philadelphia provide a lunch daily," she says. "There is something for everyone."

To find the center closest to your home, call PCA's helpline at 215-765-9040.

"You can do anything you want. Age doesn't matter. If you have a dream, go for it, and you can join us here at the center," says Ramos.

Firehouse Active Adult Center is having an open house on Wednesday, September 24 from 10:30am to 2pm, so you can check out all the activities and events they have to offer there.

And on September 25, Grupo Alegria will be performing at the Saint John Neumann Center in Philadelphia to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.

To get more information, or to register for the event, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

For more information:

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

Firehouse Active Adult Center
5331 Haverford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19139