Inspiring Opportunities is an e-mail from Coming of Age for people 50+ who are making a difference in the world, in their communities and in their lives.



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Being thin has its own rewards, but doesn't assure a long life. A new study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association concludes that being fit is a stonger predictor of long life than extra body fat. Of the 2,600 adults averaging 64 years of age studied over a twelve-year period, death rates for those who had higher fitness levels were "less than half" those labeled unfit. So, take the cover off the treadmill...and get busy!


All right, we've talked aboutl ongevity in our story above-- what about the quality of life that has been extended by exercise? Newsweek reports that aerobic exercise works on our brains, as well, and increases brain chemicals that keep our memory sharp - - creating new neuron connections, and strengthening old ones. The article goes on to describe computer learning programs that show great promise in helping us remember. What? You're not already lacing up those sneakers? Lace, kick up the pace, and... face a brighter and smarter future!


So, you've been convinced to exercise. But how can we make exercise fun? Once again, researchers have some ideas. Trip the light fantastic! Why? Because a study of older men and women concludes that ballroom dancing is the way to go. It helps lower the risk of dementia and keeps your body fit as you follow complex dance steps, move in time and stay with the rhythm of the music, all important brain functions. And let's not forget (not us dancing fools and other exercisers!) those social perks. We are a lively and social group who love to be on the dance floor and spending time with friends. Win, Win, Win-- Cha Cha Cha!


Coming of Age is aware that many of the age 65+ members of our community are unsure which Medicare coverage would be best. As the year and Medicare open enrollment period come to an end, we know that your need to make the right choice becomes increasingly important. We want, therefore, for you to know about a service that can help you make your choice. It is available to you without charge. You reach it by calling 1- (866) 579-0967. Read More.




  If you know of a volunteer opportunity in the Greater Philadelphia area that you would like featured here, e-mail details to havewegot@comingofage.org. You can find more opportunities at:




Cardinal Bevilacqua Comunity Center, located at 2646 Kensington Ave., Philadelphia, wants those interested in becoming VISTA members to join them in making a difference! The Center provides social, educational, cultural, and enrichment services and programs to community members. Three positions are open: (1.) Public Outreach and Special Event Planning; (2.) Marketing and Fund-Raising; and (3.) Community Development. Individuals who are speak English and Spanish or Vietnamese are encouraged to apply. Program benefits include: Monthly Living Stipend, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend, Health Coverage, Childcare, Ongoing Trainings, and Professional Development. For more information about these VISTA/Americorps opportunities, contact Estela Bugg or Cynthia Irizarry (215) 426-9422.


A great program needs your skills! The Family Friends program at Temple University's Center for Intergenerational Learning is looking for a Program Coordinator to facilitate family support to children and families with special needs. Besides social work services, family support also includes respite provided by adult volunteers who visit the homes of these children whose parents need some time off. Read More.


Greater Philadelphia Cares' (GPC) "Adopt-A-Family" program is looking for compassionate people to provide gifts for families during this holiday season. As a donor, you will be "matched" with a needy family and be their special "Santa." Your generosity will provide a wonderfully warm holiday experience for all involved. For more information, please call Greater Philadelphia Cares at (215) 564-4544.




We list events and opportunities here we think will interest people 50+ who want to make a difference. If you know of such events, please send us information. If you attended an event you learned about here, please send us a review.

And don't forget to check out our website Community Calendar too!


10:00 am at The African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Learn about Kwanzaa and the African Harvest with discussions and performances at The African American Museum. Your family and friends can enjoy an introduction to Kwanzaa symbols, principles and candle lighting by the Kwanzaa Cooperative as well as cultural music and dance performances, storytelling, face painting, vendors and more. For more information, call (215) 574-0380, x 222. Free admission.


12:00 pm at Welcoming Center West, 246 S. 52nd Street (just off Locust Street), Philadelphia
Want to learn about the holiday customs of your neighbors? Welcoming Center West, the newest location of the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians has transformed itself into a Global Holiday Village-- community members will learn about how immigrant merchants and leaders in West Philadelphia celebrate holidays in their countries. Bengali dancing and ethnic gifts featured this Saturday.


1:00 pm at Merriam Theater, 250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia
Plan to be there as "Mad Hot Ballroom" comes to Philly! You will be surrounded by the moves, the color, and the excitement of the tango, meringue, salsa, and more, as fifth graders from six schools (public, charter and Catholic) compete in the Colors of the Rainbow Team Match, the finals of the Dancing Classrooms Philly program. Based on the documentary, ''Mad Hot Ballroom,'' program co-creator and world famous ballroom dancer, Pierre Dulaine, will MC. Doors open at 12:30 pm and reserved seating is available until 12:45 pm. Free of charge.


10:00 am at 10980 Dutton Road, Philadelphia
The Jewish Relief Agency is looking for volunteers to help feed needy Jewish families, primarily in Northeast Philadelphia. This nonprofit organization reaches out to more than 2,000 families each month. Volunteer responsibilities include packaging food into boxes and bags and, if possible, delivering them directly to the families. To volunteer, please contact Joanne Webb at (267) 496-2412 or e-mail: joanne.webb@temple.edu


11:00 am at Ethical Society of Philadelphia, 1906 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
Environmentally conscious members and friends are invited to the Ethical Society to share ideas about ways to celebrate the winter holidays in an environmentally suportive way. You are encouraged to tell your stories of simpler days and ways of keeping the holidays happy and green.


2:00 pm at Free Library, 19th and Vine Streets, Philadelphia
Introduce your grandchildren to the delights of the "Nutcracker" at this Special Grandparents Program, part of Sundays on Stage at the Free Library of Philadelphia. This free, one-hour production is being performed by Pages and Pirouettes, a dance troupe well-known to Philadelphia audiences. Seating begins at 1:30 pm.


6:30 pm at National Constitution Center, Kirby Auditorium, 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Come to the National Constitution Center for a conversation about the role of religion in government and the influence of religious conservatives in politics, featuring Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Peter A. Lillback. It should be a lively discussion, with the two authors presentling divergent points of view. John Dilulio of the University of Pennsylvania, the first director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, will moderate. Free. Reservations needed. Contact:(215) 409-6700.


12:00 pm at Market East Station, 12th and Filbert Sts., Philadelphia
This group of "Grannies" will be at Market East Station letting the public know how to get involved, be heard by our elected officials, and work for peace. If you support their cause, let them know by joining them and speaking out for the end of the war. And look for a lot of active Coming of Age members in this cadre!


10:00 am at Buffalo Exchange, 1713 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
Donate your real fur accessories of any kind to help our furry friends and The Humane Society of the United States. Since you're donating to The Humane Society, the condition of your fur piece is unimportant (animals are into warmth, not couture). Used furs provide bedding and comfort to orphaned and injured wildlife. In addition to helping our animal neighbors, your donation is tax-deductible.


2:00 pm at Atwater Kent Museum, 15 South Seventh Street, Philadelphia
Explore Philadelphia's rich African-American history at the Atwater Kent Museum where you will see important objects from the Philadelphia City History Collection, including a silver bowl that accompanied an enslaved child to Philadelphia in 1692 and wrist shackles from the 1700s. The 30-minute "Quest for Freedom" program is held in the building (the former site of the Franklin Institute) that was one of the few places in the 1800's where an interracial audience could come together in the city.





For You and Those You Care For


Do you or someone you love have diabetes? If you have diabetes, you should know that Medicare covers a number of screenings, services and supplies to help you stay as healthy as possible. Proper diagnosis and treatment of diabetes can make a big difference in your quality of life! Read More.

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VISTA is looking for experienced, energetic individuals who want to make a full-time, year-long commitment to fight poverty. If you’re retiring soon, already there or want to take a year off for a year of service, VISTA may be for you. Living allowances and other benefits are provided. More About VISTA

See this week's featured VISTA opportunity under "Have We Got an Opportunity For You."