July 2023

Baby, It's Hot Outside

New Yorkers seeking relief from the heat can turn to the NYC Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) for help buying and installing a new air conditioner or fan.

NYC Aging Assistant Commissioner Anya Herasme visited PSS King Towers with Monica Morales of PIX11 to share tips for staying safe in extreme temperatures and explained the HEAP program. Click here for the full story.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to heat and should drink plenty of water and eat water-dense fruits such as watermelon. People living near asphalt are at greater risk because the blacktop absorbs the heat. Learn more about ways city dwellers can protect themselves.

All 10 PSS Older Adult Centers will be open for extended hours and on weekends whenever NYC activates its Cooling Centers alert. Click here to get the current status of the Cooling Center nearest you.

We're not alone. July marked the hottest week globally since record-keeping began in the 1950s. Here's an Overview of Climate Change in NYC prepared by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.

Meanwhile, it's not just the heat. Air quality remains a concern and those with asthma or other underlying respiratory conditions should keep watch of the Air Quality Index. Click here for the current reading.

Touched By a Client

All PSS Older Adult Centers are staffed with professional social workers who can help them access support. PSS Social Worker Sofia Esquivel (above right) has been working with Rashida Shabazz to help her secure an attorney to fight an eviction proceeding in New York Civil Court. Sofia draws inspiration from Rashida's ever-present positive attitude. Click here to read the story.

Active Agers

Members of PSS Harlem Center demonstrated their Pickleball skills at Wollman Rink in Central Park at the National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day festivities They competed against older adults from other NYC centers and some even shared the court for a round with Mayor Eric Adams.

A Royal Flush

PSS received a total of $150,000 in discretionary funding from NYC councilmembers. Awards per center ranged from $15,000 to $30,000.

The money was used for a wide variety of beautification and social experiences.

The folks at PSS Manhattanville Center are taking care of business in high style thanks to the recent bathroom upgrade the funds allowed. (That's the before and after.)

PSS Davidson purchased new chairs and tables.
PSS Andrew Jackson painted the center and bought client supplies, including T-shirts and giveaways for members.
PSS Highbridge purchased long-awaited chairs and booked trips.
PSS Parkside hired consultants and introduced tea and story time. They even started a new garden.
PSS Morrisania Air Rights scheduled two trips and lightly updated their bathrooms. They purchased new activities for their members and furniture for the center.
PSS Highbridge Gardens took a trip to Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers with members from PSS Davidson and PSS Morrisania Air Rights (below). They also bought new supplies, and buffed and shined their floors.

PSS members are grateful to their council representatives for what these extra funds make possible.

FDA Gives Final Approval to Alzheimer's Drug

The FDA this month gave its full approval to the Alzehimer's drug Leqembi. This move makes the costly treatment Medicare-eligible.

“This treatment, while not a cure, gives people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease more time to maintain their independence and do the things they love,” said Joanne Pike, DrPH, Alzheimer’s Association president and CEO. “While we continue efforts to discover new targets and test new treatments, people living with this fatal disease deserve the opportunity to discuss and make the choice with their doctor if an FDA-approved treatment is right for them.” Read more.

Become a Dementia Friend

PSS is the designated lead agency for the Dementia Friends NY. Each month, Program Manager Dona Giannotti conducts an information session exploring what it's like to live with dementia and what it means to support your community by becoming a Dementia Friend.

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26, at 11AM EDT. It happens on Zoom. Click here to register.

Free 6-Week Computer Basics Classes Begin

The new semester of in-person Computer Basics classes begins on July 17. Students will learn the fundamentals of operating a tablet and smartphone. Classes are free.

Mondays:

PSS City Island and PSS King Towers

Tuesdays:

PSS Morrisania Air Rights and PSS Harlem

Wednesdays:

PSS Davidson and PSS Parkside

Thursdays:

PSS Highbridge Gardens and PSS Manhattanville

Fridays:

PSS Highbridge and PSS Jackson

Free Online Events from PSS Life! University

MEET THE AUTHOR: Former NFL Pro Hank Bjorklund Uses Creativity To Cope With Brain Trauma

Tuesday, July 18, 7 to 8 PM EDT

Join us in this Coming of Age event with former Princeton and NY Jets (1972-1974) football player Hank Bjorklund, M.S., J.D., the author of Head Hits I Remember, and his wife, Victoria Bjorklund, J.D., Ph.D.

When Hank Bjorklund retired from football, he went into law and enjoyed his new career, later becoming a coach and educator. Unexpectedly, things changed. His doctors diagnosed him with dysautonomia possibly resulting from football head injuries. It left him unable to walk or partake in activities of daily living. Learn how Bjorklund got back on his feet to enjoy exercise, writing, and performing.

FREE on Zoom

Chat With the Expert:

Keeping You and Your Home Safe from Scams and Deceptive Loans

Wednesday, July 19 7:00 to 8:00 PM EDT

Older adults are ever-increasing targets of fraud and scams. In this webinar, part of our partnership with NYC Aging, learn the latest on the common scams and deceptive loan practices that specifically target older adults. Walk away knowing how to protect yourself.

FREE on Zoom

Click here for our full schedule of informative online events and meetings.