I think our city (Philadelphia) has done a terrific job in helping the elderly; all of our public transportation is free, simply by showing one’s Medicare card; our buses have loud speakers that announce each stop (and sometimes you can even understand what they are saying), and now there will be no riding of bicycles on pavements, which will make walking much safer, as long as the rules are followed. Of course, everyone in Philadelphia still talks on the cell phone while driving and there is never anyone of authority stopping them, but I realize we can’t have everything obeyed. Sadly, we have closed some day centers for the elderly, but that is due to a lack of money, so unless we change some of our taxation, we fear that some of the above-mentioned perks may disappear, too.
Free to Go-Go-Go by Martha Martin
August 7, 2011 by ElderChicks
4 Responses
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You are right, Martha; in order to get things done everyone must cooperate.
There is no “free ride” when it comes to responsibility.
I am glad you mentioned taxation. I see no reason why we all should not pay enough tax, according to our incomes, to help ALL of us have the services we need. Thanks. Christine Purves
Nice response, Mar. And I second Christine’s comment about your mentioning the need for us to pay taxes. I’m still trying to find what else is good for us old folks in this city, but that’s my fault for not exploring. In San Diego I was able to teach a variety of courses to seniors in 3 different areas of the city once a week for 6 to 8 weeks. I hope I’ll find that opportunity here.
I was reading an Elder Chicks entry and noticed a comment about class tuition at community colleges. The Community College of Philadelphia tuition policy for seniors is as follows:
Applicants who are at least 65 years old and residents of Philadelphia can register for one tuition-free credit course per semester. An online admission application must be completed. Course registration will begin two weeks prior to the start of the semester. Noncredit courses are not included in this offer. A Senior Citizen Registration fee is charged for seniors who participate in this program. See tuition and fees below:
Senior Citizen Registration Fee: $138
This fee is charged to students who take advantage of the tuition-free course. This fee is nonrefundable as of the first day of the semester.
Lyvette Jones
Director of Leadership Gifts
Community College of Philadelphia