PCA partners with Philadelphia Parks & Rec for Senior Fun Day in FDR Park
Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
"Let's have some fun everybody and let's start with some line dancing," announces Barbara Gillette, director of older adult services for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.
Every August, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Older Adult Services hosts a free Senior Fun Day.
"It's just a time for the seniors to come out and socialize with one another," says Gillette. "And to have fun."
This year's event was held at FDR Park in South Philadelphia.
"It's amazing," says Toni*J Jones, member of the West Oak Lane Senior Center. "Because seniors today need activity."
Jones says it's also exciting because you get to meet new people instead of "sitting home."
ArchWell Health and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging co-sponsored the event along with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
"PCA's mission is to help older adults and people with disabilities live in the community safely, independently and productively, and to enjoy a good quality of life," says Constance Lewis-Watson, program manager for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
"Any senior is welcome, 55 or older, you can come," says Gillette.
The event attracts members from senior centers across the city, like the Martin Luther King Older Adult Center and the West Oak Lane Senior Center where Jones is a member.
"I belong to SPOAC, South Philadelphia Older Adult Center," says Linda Hoffman, member of SPOAC. "I'm a line dancer and I wanted to line dance with the other centers, because it's all different."
"We have a lot of activities," says Lewis-Watson.
"They're gonna have an opportunity to have arts and crafts today," says Gillette.
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"They're gonna create a fall wreath," says Lewis-Watson.
There was a tai chi demonstration, or attendees could get moving with some Zumba.
And there was food. Trucks were serving up hot dogs, water ice and ice cream, while soft pretzels were handed out.
It's part health fair too, with many vendors on site providing information.
"They have many resources for seniors just to let them know what's still available for them within their communities," says Gillette.
"I have so much fun because our seniors are characters, and honestly, some of our seniors age in reverse," says Lewis-Watson. "Older people can still have a life and party."
She adds that "it's not just for younger people."
The event is also a chance for seniors to connect with old friends and make new ones.
"This is why I'm here, to enjoy myself, and I'm 71," says Jones.
"We're just as excited to present this opportunity to them as they are to be a part of it," says Gillette. "We just want them to take away that we care about them, they are part of a larger community and they matter."
If you're looking to join one of the 28 senior centers across the city offering year-round activities for older adults, you can find the full list, along with contact information, on Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's website at PCACares.org.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Older Adult Services
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging - List of Senior Centers
