Coming of Age Philadelphia

March 13 - March 19

Inspiring Opportunities is an e-mail from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives.

EXCITING NEWS!!!

WE'VE LAUNCHED OUR NEW NATIONAL WEBSITE...

Check it out at comingofage.org

 




Inside:

What's New
Coming Soon
Info4Orgs
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!
Past Issues

 
What's New

Boomers Holding Forth Online

anti-war_vietnam_war_protest_rally.jpg
Out of the streets and onto the web! The grown-up protesters of the 60s now have a presence on all forms of social networking and are writing – and closely scrutinizing – product reviews, creating fan pages, perusing (and sometimes writing) blogs, and even tweeting. A recent survey of Americans born between 1946 and 1964 showed that 90 percent of boomers are online. And to give you online networkers another site to explore and connect to, click here for Coming of Age's newly launched facebook page.

Purposeful Life May Stave Off Alzheimer's

reading with grandma.jpg
A new study has shown that older adults who derive meaning from life's experiences and possess a sense of intentionality and goal directedness face a substantially reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and a less rapid rate of cognitive decline in older age. The study included more than 900 people over a four-year period. To read an abstract of this research in the March issue of the journal, Archives of General Psychiatry, click here.

So Good ... and So Good for You!

Topics: Diet, Health, Research
med. diet.jpg
In yet another study -- eating a Mediterranean-style diet, one rich in olive oil, whole grains, fish and fruit-- may protect aging brains from damage linked to cognitive problems. Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas, a neurology professor at Columbia University Medical Center led this study involving 712 men and women averaging 80 years of age. Other studies have found that such diets also lower risks for depression, cancer, heart disease and premature death. So... eat a healthy diet, stay active and involved--and don't forget to pass the olives!

Going Entrepreneurial

entrepreneurs.jpg
Have you always wanted to be your own boss? If so, join the more than five million Americans age 55 or older who run their own businesses or are otherwise self-employed. According to the Small Business Administration, the number of self-employed 55 to 64-year-olds is soaring, climbing 52 percent from 2000 to 2007. Check out the Small Business Administration website that offers advice and expertise for older adults ready to "leverage experience, passions, hobbies and resources to launch or purchase a small business.”

 
Coming Soon

Cracking the Code: Sustaining Communities

zoning.jpg
Zoning codes play a major role in making Philadelphia a more sustainable city. Advocates for sustainability, design professionals, and interested citizens are welcomed to learn more about ongoing efforts and upcoming zoning reforms from city and state officials, national experts, and local practitioners on March 18th, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Speakers include Fran Burns, Commissioner, Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections and Maureen Gutman, Executive Director, the Governor's Green Government Council. FREE. Click here to register.

How to Get a Job in Philly

Topics: Job Search, Work
job wanted.jpg
If you are looking to jump start your job search, plan on attending the Urban League's upcoming Career Center Orientation: How to Get a Job in Philly session on Monday, March 22nd, from 2 - 4 p.m. You will receive a complete introduction to the Urban League Career Center and its services while learning how to prepare for and conduct a successful job search. To learn more and register for this free workshop, call (215) 985-3220, ext. 210 or e-mail... and bring a hard copy of your resume to the orientation.

To Roth or Not to Roth

roth.jpg
The Watermark at Logan Square will host a Lunch & Learn seminar on March 25 at 11:30 a.m. entited “To Roth or Not to Roth…and other Important Details Regarding Your IRA Accounts.” This free program, presented by Senior Supportive Services, Inc., a team of professionals who specialize in financial issues relevant to older adults and their families, will address the positive features of the Roth IRA as well as the drawbacks of converting from a Traditional IRA account. To register for this event, click here.

Call for Artists 55 and Older!

art.jpg
“engAGE! Celebrate Arts & Aging” is a month-long festival, presented by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, featuring exhibitions of original artwork by older Philadelphians at least 55 years old. Artists may submit one piece of artwork created within the past three years for exhibition throughout May (Older Americans Month). Artwork is due by Friday, March 26. For information and an application, click here or call (215) 765-9000, ext. 5052.

 
Info4Orgs

Compensation Seminar

compensation.jpg
Pfizer, Inc., in conjunction with Philadelphia VIP/LawWorks and the law firm of DLA Piper is sponsoring a free video conference seminar for nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area on Thursday, March 23rd, on the topic of “Best Practices in Compensating Your Employees: How to Comply with IRS and Employment Law Requirements and Have a Competitive Compensation Structure.” Designed for board members, executive directors, human resource professionals, CFOs and finance directors, this full-day seminar will be held at the law offices of DLA Piper, 1650 Market Street, Suite 4900, Philadelphia. Lunch will be served. FREE. To register, click here.

 
Have We Got an Opportunity for You!

AARP State Director: Multicultural Outreach

aarp logo.gif
AARP Pennsylvania, a Coming of Age founding partner, is seeking an Associate State Director for Multicultural Outreach who will develop a presence in African-American/Black communities through building relationships, engaging members and volunteers, strengthening visibility, and organizing grassroots activities and educational forums. BA/BS degree, minimum of 5 years experience in community organizing, volunteer management, and marketing/PR. Travel up to 50%. To apply, click here. (posting under "All Available Positions")

Chief Service Officer Opening in Philadelphia

volunteers.jpg
Through a newly-funded Rockefeller Foundation "Cities of Service" grant, Mayor Nutter is seeking a creative, collaborative, and talented professional to serve as the Chief Service Officer. This person will oversee the Mayors' efforts to promote service throughout the city and focus volunteer resources around common goals for a safer, greener, and better educated city that will benefit all citizens. Application due by March 19th. To read more about this position and to apply Continue Reading

Barnes Foundation Visitor Representative

barnes.jpg
The Barnes Foundation, home to one of the finest art collections in the world, is seeking a friendly and reliable Call Center Representative to join the Visitor Services team. This person is responsible for answering telephone calls and inquiries, processing reservations, and helping out by distributing tickets and maps, greeting visitors, checking coats and selling audio guides. Part-time, with a minimum requirement of 3 days per week Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. If interested, send a resume and cover letter to Selena Younger

Research Study Needs Input

alzheimers.jpg
The Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health (CARAH) located at Thomas Jefferson University is actively seeking participants for the Alzheimer’s Association-funded Quality of Life study. This interview study is evaluating the quality of life of those with memory loss and their family caregivers; both will be interviewed. Information will be used to develop community-based services for this population. Participants receive home safety recommendations, caregiving strategies, and $10 for completing three interviews. Call (215) 503-2897 for more information.



 
Radio Portraits
Coming of Age
Radio Portraits, produced by WHYY, feature age 50+ Philadelphia-area people who have made exciting life transitions. Click here to see and hear their wonderful stories and to submit your story!



Read Coming of Age Around the Country, a blog about what people 50+ are doing, dreaming, and making happen in their communities.
Coming of Age
Intergenerational Center at Temple University
1700 N. Broad Street, Room 412, Philadelphia, PA 19122
phone (215) 204-8585 • fax (215) 204-3195
inspiring@comingofage.org