Creating a city for all ages in Philadelphia

Dozens of community leaders, politicians and residents of Philadelphia gathered at WHYY on Monday to discuss ways to make Philadelphia a flagship city for all ages. 

The “Aging in the New Age” summit took place at the Dorrance H. Public Media Commons on N. Sixth Street and was a collaboration among Councilman Curtis Jones Jr., the Mayor’s Commission on Aging, WHYY, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, The Salvation Army Kroc Center, NewCourtland, AARP, CVS and Healthcare Technology. 

The group discussed what it means to become a “generational game changer,” how the economic climate affects the baby boomer generation and how to maintain a healthy, safe city for all ages. 

Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. emceed the day-long event which featured speakers such as Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger and former Philadelphia Mayor, Rev. Wilson Goode Sr. 

“We stand today on the edge of a new era,” Goode Sr. said. “We declare that there’s a new posse in town willing to put away their golf clubs and beachfront homes to use our gifts and talents to help save the generation of vulnerable people, especially our children.” 

Goode referred to the baby boomer generation as “senior warriors” and asked for their help and determination in creating an age-friendly city. 

The summit was streamed live to the Salvation Army Kroc Center, NewCourtland Educational Center, Philadelphia Senior Center and the Haddington Senior Center.