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Reframing Aging

By 2030, one in three residents of Pennsylvania will be over the age of 60. Instead of fearing aging, we should embrace it! It’s crucial to eliminate ageism from our everyday language and actions — this means changing the way we think and talk about older people and the aging process. We need to share a more complete and positive story about aging. Doing so will help shape policies and programs that benefit everyone as we grow older 

Helpful Resources:

  • PA.GOV/AGING – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) works to ensure that older adults across Pennsylvania have access to quality services and support that help them age and live well. 
  • ReframingAging.org – The National Center to Reframe Aging is dedicated to ending ageism by advancing an equitable and complete story about aging in America.   
  • Creative Communities Initiative – The Creative Communities Initiative (CCI) provides multi-year funding for place-based, community-driven, arts-based projects that serve as catalysts for social cohesion, livability, and community and economic development.  
  • Your Local Resources – There are a variety of resources available in every county across the Commonwealth to assist older adults. Whether looking for in-home care, meals, recreation, health and wellness, these local resources can help locate assistance and how to obtain it.

Active, Accessible, Age-Friendly Communities  

Pennsylvania’s recognition as an age-friendly state, along with several cities and areas receiving this designation, is important because it highlights a commitment to meeting the needs of older adults as they age. These age-friendly communities are designed to ensure that older people can live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. They focus on creating environments that are inclusive and supportive, with resources and services that improve quality of life. The benefits of these age-friendly environments extend beyond older adults, making the communities better places for people of all ages to live. 

Helpful Resources:

Romance Scams   

Online romance scams are a growing concern for senior citizens in Pennsylvania, with scammers often targeting vulnerable individuals seeking companionship. These deceptive schemes can lead to significant financial loss and emotional distress. In response, Pennsylvania is taking steps to raise awareness and provide resources to help seniors recognize and protect themselves from these scams, ensuring they can engage safely in digital spaces and maintain their independence without falling victim to exploitation. 

 

Helpful Resources:

  • National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 – If you or someone you know is a victim of elder fraud, call this hotline at 833–FRAUD–11. A case manager will assist you with reporting the crime. 
  • SCAMS – Protect Yourself, Protect Your Money – One of the best ways to protect yourself from financial scams is to be informed. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities has created this brochure to include information about some of today’s most common scams, as well as helpful tips to protect yourself and your money. 
  • Scam & Fraud Alerts – Pennsylvanians who suspect benefits fraud should call 1-844-DHS-TIPS 

Caregiver Supports   

A grandmother’s love leads her to raise her granddaughter after parental loss. With help from the Caregiver Support Program, she finds strength, support, and a path forward while navigating the challenges of aging and caregiving.

Helpful Resources:

  • The Caregiver Support Program – The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program helps people who take care of others. It offers resources and assistance to support caregivers and help them maintain a healthy, ongoing relationship with the person they are caring for.

Navigation of Resources  

Older adults and caregivers need access to trusted, up-to-date information on resources and options related to community services, and need support in navigating the complex and fragmented long-term care system.

Helpful Resources:

  • PA Navigate – PA Navigate connects Pennsylvanians with health and social care services in their local community.
  • PA Link – Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources
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PA MEDI   

It’s ok to have questions about Medicare. It’s a complicated and sometimes frustrating experience—but there are people here to walk you through the process and answer any questions you have. There are no questions you should be afraid to ask. PA MEDI is here to help with unbiased information for those on Medicare, their families, and their caregivers.

Helpful Resources:

The Cost of Care 

When Juliette noticed changes in her husband Tom, she began a journey filled with love, sacrifice, and tough decisions about long-term care. In this moving episode, she shares their story, the emotional and financial challenges of caregiving, and how Pennsylvania’s programs can help families prepare for the future.

Helpful Resources:

  • PA Independent Enrollment Broker (PA IEB) – The PA IEB is a contracted statewide entity facilitating the enrollment process for Pennsylvania residents seeking home and community based services and supports as well as long term services and supports.

Direct Care Workforce Shortage 

While Pennsylvania’s older adult population is increasing, the number of workers available to support this population in home care, long-term care facilities, healthcare and general services has been decreasing. The workforce deals with a myriad of issues including low wages, high stress, and the physical and emotional demands which often lead to burnout and high turnover. The consequences of staff shortages include poorer care outcomes, such as increased incidents of neglect or health complications for older adults. Addressing these shortages requires systemic changes such as improving working conditions, offering better pay and benefits, and providing training and career advancement opportunities to attract and retain workers in these essential roles. Additionally, innovations like automation and technology-assisted care may help alleviate some pressures, but human-centered care remains a vital component in supporting older adults’ well-being.

Living with and Caring for ADRD

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are more than 282,000 Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to increase to 320,000 by 2025. Couple that with the 465,000 caregivers providing 822 million hours of unpaid care with a value of more than $13.6 billion. Pennsylvania is making strides to support residents living with ADRD and their care partners, with Governor Shapiro signing legislation into law to create the Commonwealth’s first ever ADRD Division in the Department of Aging. We must all continue to work together to not only find a cure, but also provide supports for Pennsylvanians living with ADRD and their loved ones.

Helpful Resources:

Navigating Scams

Explore the growing threat of scams targeting older adults—from high-tech frauds to deeply personal romance cons. Witness real-life examples, including tech support and grandparent scams, as well as chilling new schemes involving AI-generated voices. One heartbreaking story recounts how a widow, longing for companionship, was deceived into a fabricated relationship that led to emotional and financial devastation. Experts offer practical prevention tips—such as disconnecting from suspicious internet prompts, verifying calls, and securing social media accounts—and emphasize the importance of reporting scams. With billions lost to fraud annually, this episode empowers older Pennsylvanians and their families to recognize red flags, lean on support networks, and protect their dignity in an increasingly digital and deceptive world.

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