Artwork of Aging: Older adults can discover friendship and enjoyable at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s senior facilities throughout Philadelphia

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

At Norris Square Senior Community Center, Grupo Alegria practices each 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, reveals off a candunga they made for an upcoming group dance efficiency.

“Grupo Alegria means joy, group of joy,” says Lopez.

Lopez began the group in 2022 to revive a way of group 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 middle supervisor of Norris Square Senior Community Center and present member of Grupo Alegria. “I’m originally from Puerto Rico.”

They carry out at group occasions, like PCA’s annual expertise present.

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

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

Folk costumes are made in stitching class. The group does analysis to mannequin their outfits after conventional costume that might be worn for every completely different tradition’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 provides an array of actions all through 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 recreation room provides ping pong and pool.

“It’s really just an opportunity to socialize,” she says. “We also do Pokeno.”

Senior facilities across the metropolis provide lessons in computer systems and artwork.

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

Older adults may also decide up a meal at their native middle.

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

To discover the middle closest to your house, name 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 home on Wednesday, September 24 from 10:30am to 2pm, so you possibly can try all of the actions and occasions they’ve to supply there.

And on September 25, Grupo Alegria might be performing on the Saint John Neumann Center in Philadelphia to have a good time National Hispanic Heritage Month.

To get extra data, or to register for the occasion, name the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.

For extra data:

Philadelphia Corporation for Aging

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