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Articles by Najja R. Orr
Caregiving often happens quietly
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO Having my mother join me at PCA’s Fall Fundraiser made the evening particularly special. It reminded me how meaningful it is to share important moments with the people who matter most. In some moments, we share lasting memories; in others, we offer love, care and support. A spouse helps with medications and appointments. A daughter checks in every morning before going to work. A grandson picks up groceries on the way home.
Health starts with access
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO Some of the most important lessons I have learned about health have come from older adults and caregivers. Their stories have shown me that people may know what they need to stay healthy but still struggle to get it. Something as simple as a ride to a doctor’s appointment, help paying for food or medicine, or support caring for a loved one can make a big difference.
Senior community centers: Where better years take shape
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO Too many people assume senior centers are places people go because they have nowhere else to be. The reality is exactly the opposite.Whenever I visit a senior center, what stands out is a strong sense of community. I’ve seen participants support one another during difficult times, celebrate birthdays and milestones together, and welcome newcomers with open arms. Those daily moments may seem small, but they have a lasting impact.
Wellness is often found in everyday moments
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO A warm greeting at a senior center. A shared meal with friends. A caregiver receiving support during a challenging time. These moments help older adults stay connected, maintain independence, and enjoy a higher quality of life. At PCA, wellness extends beyond physical health. It includes feeling safe, valued, and connected. It means having the support needed to remain active in the communities people know and love.
PCA supports independence: Building a better community for older adults
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO Approximately 8.2 million people in the United States require home- and community-based services in 2026, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This help might include a ride to medical appointments, help with meals, caregiver support or access to a senior center. These services do more than meet basic needs. They help people stay connected to their routines, relationships and communities.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month through inclusion
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO LGBTQ+ Pride Month is a time to celebrate. Inclusive communities, where everyone is respected and supported, is a guiding theme at PCA. We are dedicated to ensuring dignity, independence and quality of life for every older adult. This means making sure LGBTQ+ older adults can easily access care, respecting their life experiences, and making all services welcoming and inclusive. As people age, they may feel more isolated.
Connect, create & contribute
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO Spring is a season to reconnect, try something new, and stay active in our communities. We see this every day at PCA. One morning at a local senior center, a group of older adults gathered to share their paintings. Some were trying this for the first time, while others were reliving an old hobby. What stood out was not just artwork, but the genuine laughter, conversation and connection that filled the room.
Strategic planning improves the future of aging
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO PCA is focused on strengthening our work and deepening our impact in the community. Our initiative, “PCA 2.0,” is about more than programs. It is about building a stronger, more supportive community where older adults can maintain a high quality of life. We remain committed to supporting independence, well-being and quality of life for the people we serve.
Nourish to flourish: National Nutrition Month - Philadelphia Corporation For Aging
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO March brings a chance to focus on health, nourishment, and the role of good nutrition in everyday life. National Nutrition Month reminds us that food is more than just fuel for the body. Food supports strength, independence and well-being at every stage of life. For many older adults, access to nutritious meals can be limited by many factors. These include income, mobility, health challenges or social isolation.
Black History Month: How Black culture has shaped Philadelphia
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO During Black History Month, we reflect on how Black history and culture shaped Philadelphia into the strong, caring city it is today. The Black community has been an important part of the city’s growth, showing strength, leadership and pride over the years. Philadelphia has a deep connection to freedom and justice. Mother Bethel AME Church is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the country, dating to 1794.
How to have a healthy new year: Set goals and a vision for your life
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO As we move into a new year, let’s reflect and set intentions for the life we’d like to create. January helps us to remember that every day matters. The new year is a time to care for ourselves. It’s also the perfect time to set goals that give us joy and meaning. This is the time to start investing in yourself – your health, your relationships and everything that gives life meaning. Small steps matter.
Look out for loved ones, neighbors this holiday season
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP PCA President & CEO As the year comes to a close, the holiday season reminds us of what matters most: connection, compassion and community. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on the moments that shaped us, and extend kindness to those who may need it most. This season is also a time to remember those who may be feeling alone or facing hardships.
PCA 2.0: Make Your Voices Heard
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO Good health is the key to living and aging well. At PCA, we know it’s about having the right information, resources and support to stay active, independent and engaged at every stage of life. That’s why the October 2025 issue of Milestones focuses on health. You’ll find stories that speak to the diverse health needs of older adults. We cover mental health challenges, which affect many people but often go unnoticed.
PCA 2.0: Our Next 50 Years
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO PCA grounds our work in connection. Linking older adults to the resources, support and community they need to thrive is always on our minds. As we step into our next chapter, PCA 2.0, we are taking purposeful steps to evolve how we serve Philadelphia’s aging population and meet the growing complexity of their needs. The past five decades have shaped PCA into a trusted leader and community partner. Our foundation is strong.
Proposed cuts to aging programs at federal level cause concern
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO Last month, we told you about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) restructuring. This change caused the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to be broken apart. ACL is the federal agency at HHS that administers the Older Americans Act (OAA). Various aging services programs under ACL would be split up and moved to other HHS agencies. Since then, a draft copy of the President’s fiscal year 2026 budget for HHS was leaked.
Ensuring support for older adults
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO You may have heard that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently shared a major change. It plans to reorganize its structure, which includes breaking apart the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and moving its programs to other HHS agencies. This is still a developing situation, and things may change quickly. We want to keep you informed because this may affect services that help older adults.
Older Philadelphians deserve the best – and PCA delivers - Philadelphia Corporation For Aging
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO When the social worker at Mann Older Adult Center learned that Ms. P. didn’t have enough money for winter clothing, she was referred to Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) Emergency Fund and received $100 for winter shoes and warm clothing. “I’m very appreciative for the assistance given to me by PCA,” said Ms. P.
Ensuring self-determination for older adults
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO When the social worker at Mann Older Adult Center learned that Ms. P. didn’t have enough money for winter clothing, she was referred to Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA’s) Emergency Fund and received $100 for winter shoes and warm clothing. “I’m very appreciative for the assistance given to me by PCA,” said Ms. P.
Food connects us
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO From an early age, many of us can remember enjoying Sunday dinners and holiday feasts with our grandparents. The commonality of eating shared foods connects us to culture, family and friends, just as much as it nourishes our bodies. By sharing a meal, eating becomes an experience. There is an opportunity for discussion and learning – about cooking, the ingredients, tastes, and associated cultures or traditions.
Black History Month: Honoring the past, inspiring the future
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO In the heart of Philadelphia, where murals tell the stories of our heroes, one image stands out: a depiction of Harriet Tubman leading others to freedom with courage etched on her face. This city is alive with such stories — of resilience, innovation and community. During Black History Month, we celebrate these stories, the legacy of those who came before us and the vibrant cultures that continue to shape our world.
Happy holiday season from PCA
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO The holiday season is here — and while it’s a joyful time for many, it could also be a time for reflection for others. I hope you take some time this month to enjoy the array of festivities that our city has to offer – from light displays and window decorations to holiday markets and live entertainment. While you are enjoying the sights and sounds of the season, please think of those who could benefit from additional emotional or other support.
Caregiving is a team effort
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO The number of Americans providing unpaid care for a loved one has increased by 21% over the past five years, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving.
Help yourself to health: Be your own advocate
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO People of all ages should take an active role in looking after their own health. PCA helps older adults take control of their health and well-being. PCA has many programs to support different areas of one’s life that support health, including information and resources to improve finances, education, health care, neighborhoods and community connections. These areas affect quality of life.
Op-ed: Older adults supported us, now it’s our turn to support them – Metro Philadelphia
Philadelphia consistently ranks among the largest U.S. cities with the highest percentage of older adults living in poverty. Every one of the more than 316,000 older Philadelphians deserves the right to age in their own community and have access to services and resources that support a healthy and active life.
Discover your senior center this September
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO Celebrated every September, National Senior Center Month highlights the essential role senior community centers play in the health and well-being of older adults. PCA supports 28 senior community centers and satellite meal sites located in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia. Senior centers offer unique programming that promotes socialization and a healthy lifestyle through education, recreation, fitness activities and meals.
PCA is planning for the future of aging
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO At Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), we help older adults stay connected to the community and remain safely in their homes. We are steadfast about protecting older adults, advocating for their rights and benefits, and serving people with the greatest social and economic needs.
Stay safe and enjoy the summer
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President & CEO Summer is a great time to explore the outdoors and to take advantage of all that our wonderful city has to offer! Philadelphia’s robust urban park system encompasses 10,200 acres of public land and waterways, as well as hundreds of recreation, environmental and cultural centers, according to Philadelphia Parks and Recreation.
Protecting vulnerable older adults from risk
News By Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP, PCA President and CEO One of the greatest responsibilities we have as a society is to protect our most vulnerable citizens. As individuals, we also have the duty to respect and honor our elders. To achieve both goals, we must do all that we can to prevent and stop the abuse or mistreatment of older adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 6 people aged 60 or older has experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year.
Celebrate Older Americans Month: Powered by connection
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO Every May since 1963, our nation has celebrated Older Americans Month as a time to recognize the significant contributions of older adults, highlight aging trends and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adult community.
The value of volunteerism
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO The rate of formal volunteering through organizations dropped 7% during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to research conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. But civic engagement activities – both formal and informal – have bounced back since 2021! AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, estimates that more than 23% of American adults (nearly 61 million people) formally volunteer with organizations each year.
Good nutrition is the foundation of wellness
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO North Philadelphia resident Nellie Harris raised a family and cooked delicious meals from scratch. Now, 101, Ms. Harris has limited mobility and receives home-delivered meals from Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). When it comes to healthy aging, good nutrition is vital. The old saying is especially true: You are what you eat! The importance of maintaining a healthy, balanced diet as you age cannot be understated.
Celebrate Black history year-round
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would be 95 this year, if he were still alive. In honor of the great civil rights champion, we should continue to discuss his legacy and its impact on the world. One of the best ways that we can continue the great work of Dr. King is to educate others about Black history in America and to advocate for equality in all ways of life.
Here’s to a new year filled with wellness!
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO As you welcome 2024, January provides a great opportunity to set goals for the year. Think about what you would like to accomplish or improve in your life. The experts say that thinking about it is one thing; write it down and commit to it to really set the course for change.
PCA 2.0 by 2033: Strategic planning leads the way
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO On Dec. 3, 2023, PCA will mark its 50th anniversary. That’s five incredible decades of providing much-needed support to older Philadelphians and people living with disabilities.
Ageism awareness: Changing negative stereotypes
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO Ageism – how we think, feel and act – toward others based upon age is often fraught with prejudice or discrimination toward older people. The World Health Organization has deemed ageism as one of the most widespread and socially accepted forms of prejudice. Our society often portrays young people as active, vibrant and intelligent while older people are often shown as slow, forgetful and weak.
PCA Helpline and Benefits Data Trust provide one-stop resources for older Philadelphians
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO More than $80 billion in food, financial aid, health care and other assistance goes unclaimed each year in America, according to Benefit Data Trust (BDT). Given the high rate of poverty among Philadelphia’s older adult population, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) sought a way to connect those in need with these massive, untapped resources.
Your input is needed for PA’s Master Plan for Older Adults
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO As the largest Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in Pennsylvania, PCA) serves all older adults living in Philadelphia County. To meet increasing needs over the past 50 years, we now provide more than 30 different person-centered programs and services and touch the lives of more than 140,000 older adults and people living with disabilities annually.
Enjoy summer in the city
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA President & CEO Summer is a great time to take advantage of all that our wonderful city has to offer! Philadelphia is full of activities, events and amenities to suit any interest or hobby. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, sports fan, arts and culture enthusiast, foodie, or shopper, you’ll find opportunities for enjoyment in every neighborhood. Did you know?
Preparing & protecting: Creating a safety net
News By Najja R. Orr, MBA, DBA, PCA president & CEO It’s been three years since our country was overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We all remember the nationwide stay-at-home orders, massive supply shortages, and overcrowded hospitals. As a nation, we were not prepared to deal with the pandemic. Many community-based organizations and social service agencies were forced to make significant adjustments to their operations or how services were delivered.
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