A publication of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging 2013 July 2015 Free Inside Marking 50 years of gay rights protests Innovations in Aging Produce Vouchers Free for low-income seniors ..7 “Apps” for everything By Marcia Z. Siegal They’re commonly known as “apps,” short for applications, a software tool that allows you to perform specific tasks. They are available on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, and you can make use of them to track your blood pressure, pay your bills, check if your train is running on time and connect with your loved ones. Apps bring the world to you, and they’re literally at your fin- gertips. Art from the Heart: “There are so many incredible apps out there, Helps children with grief... 8 and many of them are free,” says Gillian Robbins, librarian in the Business, Science and Industry Department of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Parkway Central Library. Photo by courtesy of John James of courtesy by Photo Tobey Dichter, CEO of Generations on Line, John James (in suit, left) was one of 39 protesters who picketed Independence Hall on July 4, 1965. which promotes Internet access for seniors, concurs. “Mobile apps can provide instant grat- By Linda L. Riley by the Mattachine Society of Washington, ification,” she says. “Speed, ease and conven- D.C., a group that was dedicated to activism ience of tablet and other mobile technology, In 1965, John James was a 24-year-old in support of gay rights. Mattachine, James • continued on page 17 computer programmer for the National In- explained, means “behind the mask.” stitutes of Health. He was on the cutting “We didn’t know how safe it would be,” edge when the business world was still mar- James said. “It turned out to be uneventful.” Feature Topic: veling at the IBM Selectric typewriter. But his The only encounter he recalls was with an Innovations in Aging politics were even more advanced. On July older man selling ice cream from a refriger- 4, 1965, James was among 33 men and ated cart, who said there were “some things seven women protesters gathered at Inde- he never thought he would be doing,” but Health Tips. 2 pendence Hall to participate in “Reminder sold him the ice cream nonetheless. Day,” the first organized, recurring civil In Season . 9 It was the first of four such protests, but rights demonstration for homosexual equal- the only one James participated in. The last Calendar . 12-13 ity in the United States. was in 1969, just days after the Stonewall Don’s Column. 23 Bearing American flags and signs with riots in New York City, following a police messages, such as “Homosexuals want their raid on a gay bar. The Milestones Nogueras Paola by Photo Crossword . 23 right to make their maximum contributions This year, to mark the 50th anniversary of Tobey Dichter founded Generations on Line in to society” and “Homosexuals ask for equal- that first protest, there are exhibits, Next Month: Brain Health 1999, to make it easy for senior citizens to use ity before the law,” they circled in front of In- the internet. dependence Hall. The event was organized • continued on page 6 July 2015 Milestones 2 Health Briefs Reduce computer-related eye strain Published by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Now that computers come in every Holly Lange, President and CEO Editor: Linda L. Riley 215 765-9000, ext. 5080 shape and size, we are spending more Board Officers and Directors time looking at computer screens than Advertising: Glenn D. Bryan, Chair Joan Zaremba, 215-765-9000, ext. 5051 ever before. After a while, this can Arthur E. Helfand, D.P.M., Vice Chair Distribution & Subscriptions: cause eye strain. Desktop and laptop Sheri C. Gifford, Treasurer LaTasha Johnson, computers are not the only culprits. 215-765-9000, ext. 5050 Barbara Waynant Murphy, Secretary Other gadgets, such as tablets, e-read- Judee M. Bavaria Home delivery: $12/year We welcome your letters, comments and sugges- ers and smartphones, also contribute Jack Dembow tions. All submissions of letters for publication to eye strain. Here are some tips from Katherine E. Galluzzi, D.O., F.A.C.O.F.P. must be signed and dated and include writer’s home address and phone number. Submission the Mayo Clinic to help relieve dry Dick Goldberg constitutes permission to edit for clarity, length or space and to publish in any form or medium. If eyes, headaches and blurry vision Frederick Lewis we publish your letter, you will be credited by Frances Miller name. PCA reserves the right to not publish any caused by computer-related eye strain. submission; receipt may not be acknowledged Victor M. Negron, Jr. and submissions will not be returned. Remember to blink Satya B. Verma, O.D., F.A.A.O. Mail to: PCA Milestones Editor Lenore Wasserman Scola 642 N. Broad St. Because many people blink less Philadelphia, PA 19130-3409 Dry eyes can result from prolonged computer Joe Watkins often than normal when working at a Email: [email protected] use. John Whitman computer, dry eyes can result from pro- mail. So, set a kitchen timer, stop watch Milestones is published monthly and distributed at more than 800 locations throughout Philadelphia in- longed computer use. Make a con- or cell phone alarm for 15 to 30 min- cluding stores, libraries, community and senior centers, and organizations and agencies serving older adults. scious effort to blink more often, utes. When the bell goes off, it’s your Milestones will not knowingly accept or publish advertising that is fraudulent or misleading. Milestones reserves which produces tears that moisten and the right to edit, revise or reject advertising. Milestones assumes no responsibility for errors in advertisements, cue to detach from the computer. Stand misprints, omissions and misinformation, for failure to publish an ad, or for any damages of any kind. In refresh your eyes. Consider using over- up and walk around the room. You can this publication neither the publisher nor any other party is rendering expert advice. No part of this news- the-counter artificial teardrops to help paper may be reproduced without the express written permission of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. also use this as an opportunity to do prevent and relieve dry eyes that result ©2015 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. All rights reserved. work around the house, such as making from prolonged sessions at the com- phone calls or washing dishes. puter. Your doctor can suggest which drops might be best for you. Lubricat- Vision correction ing drops that don't contain preserva- If you wear glasses or contact lenses, tives can be used as often as you need. make sure the correction is right for com- If the drops you're using contain puter work. Most lenses are fitted for read- preservatives, don't use them more ing print and may not be optimal for than four times a day. Avoid eye drops computer work. Glasses or contact lenses with a redness remover, as these may designed specifically for computer work worsen dry eye symptoms. may be a worthwhile investment. Stop and detach Throughout the day, give your eyes a Solutions to the Milestones break by forcing them to focus on Crossword puzzle something other than on your com- (see page 23) puter screen. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take your eyes off your computer and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Lean back and close your eyes for a few moments. Move your body to the left and right while sitting in the chair. Move your neck to your left and right, too. At least twice an hour, get up from your computer, and take a one to three minute break. Time can pass quickly while on social media, shopping or e- It’s not just Medicare. It’s better care. Health Partners Plans is hospital-owned. So unlike companies that are just watching out for their bottom line, we’re watching out for you. From our broad physician network to 24/7 member support, when it comes to Medicare, we’re doing it right. Premium for Basic and Prime plans Copays for primary care doctor visits* Generic drugs (up to 90-day supply)* $0 Fitness center memberships 1-866-901-8000 (24/7) HPPMedicare.com TTY 1-877-454-8477 Health Partners Plans is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health Partners Medicare depends on contract renewal. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Health Partners Medicare is available in Philadelphia County. *Cost sharing may vary in Special Needs Plan. H9207_HPM-419-13 Approved 09/2013 July 2015 Milestones 4 Innovations in Aging Follow-up and care coordination reduce re-admissions at these hospitals low-up medical appointment sessed for PCA services. In cases where By Marcia Z. Siegal within a reasonable time. participants are already receiving serv- The partnership project ices through PCA, the bridge care coor- Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s helps prevent those risks by dinators keep in touch with the PCA (PCA) Shanta Mann recalls the elderly assigning two point persons service coordinator. man she met soon after he was dis- for participants: a nurse navi- charged from the hospital. He had been gator at the hospital and a Problem-solving admitted for chest pains.