Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Every October, older adults celebrate health, wellness and community along Boathouse Row.
“We are at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Senior Strut. It’s our 14th annual,” says Jennifer Russell, Executive Administrator of Planning for Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA). “It’s a really fun and joyful event.”
DJ TouchTone provides the music, while walkers warm up.
“Philadelphia’s legendary Mummers will be kicking off our strut,” says Russell. “It’s a half mile up and a half mile back.”
Lettie Garland and Margie Witts walk with a group.
“We Walk PHL,” says Witts from Hunting Park. “Teamwork make a dream work.”
It’s their 10th year participating.
“We meet people that we hadn’t met before, so it has been a great thing,” says Garland, also from Hunting Park.
“Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has a network of 28 senior community centers and satellite meal centers, many of which will be represented here today,” says Russell. Charmaine Butler is a member of the West Oak Lane Senior Center. Her favorite part about the strut?
“Just the fellowship, you meet up with other community centers,” says Butler from East Mt. Airy. “It’s just a nice day. You get a little shirt.”
“The purpose, really, is to create awareness of healthy aging,” says Russell. “Social connection and staying active is essential to health and wellness as we age.”
In addition to offering free vaccinations at the mobile vaccine van, informational exhibitor tables fill Lloyd Hall. There is also a presentation stage out back focused on connecting older adults with resources.
And older adults get a box lunch from Cosmic Café.
“Having a chance to get out and enjoy one another, that’s really what it’s all about,” says Russell. “The mission of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is to improve the quality of life of older adults and people with disabilities in Philadelphia, assisting them in maintaining their maximum levels of health, independence and productivity.”
Linda Lane from Northwest Philadelphia says she thought her group did great at this year’s Senior Strut.
“If I can walk and talk, I’m good,” says Lane. “It’s easy to do as long as you’re entertaining yourself, you don’t realize that you’re actually out there walking.”
“I hope people leave feeling energized, feeling connected and also inspired to stay active,” says Russell. “Really small steps can make such a big difference in our lives.”
There are lots of opportunities to keep that community going at Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s senior centers. There are 28 across the city offering lots of activities and meals, so if you’d like to find one in your neighborhood and join, go to PCACares.org or call PCA’s Helpline at 215-765-9040.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
PCA’s Senior Centers
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.