Penn Memory Center

03/06/2026

Dementia villages often appear as a hopeful alternative to traditional nursing homes. Streets, cafés, grocery stores, even bus stops create the feeling of a small town. But as scholar Sally Chivers notes, these environments raise important questions.

Who is the design really for? The person living with dementia, the caregiver, or the wider society seeking reassurance?

In the latest episode of The Age of Aging, Sally Chivers reflects on these questions and what they reveal about dignity, care, and the future of dementia friendly communities.

🎧 Hear more here: ageofaging.org/episodes/the-miracle-kitchen

The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and our sponsors, the TIAA Institute and Rothkoff Law Group.

03/04/2026

Join us at the next Memory Café for a special session with the Tango Therapy Project.

On March 20, participants will take part in an adapted tango movement class with music, simple guided steps, and time to connect with others. The session supports mobility and balance and welcomes older adults, people living with memory changes, and those with neurological or motor challenges.

No dance experience needed. Come for the music, the movement, and the chance to share the moment with others.

📅 Friday, March 20
⏱️ 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.)
📍 Ralston House Wellness Center, 3615 Chestnut Street

Register here: bit.ly/405Sqsf

03/02/2026

Architecture tells a story.

Annmarie Adams explains how spaces for the sick and elderly have often been shaped by concealment and separation. Hospitals have looked like city halls, office buildings, malls. Each shift reflects cultural attitudes about illness and aging.

For people living with dementia, design shapes daily life. It can isolate or it can include.

Hear more here: ageofaging.org/episodes/the-miracle-kitchen

The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and our sponsors, the TIAA Institute and Rothkoff Law Group.

02/27/2026

When a space is confusing, the brain works harder.

In the latest episode of The Age of Aging, Greg Walsh explains how “cognitive load” affects people living with dementia. He shares how inclusive design can calm, orient, and restore autonomy for people living with dementia.

🎧 Hear more here: ageofaging.org/episodes/the-miracle-kitchen

The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and our sponsors, the TIAA Institute and Rothkoff Law Group.

02/25/2026

02/24/2026

What do buildings say about how society values people living with dementia?

A new episode of The Age of Aging explores how design shapes stress, dignity, and independence.

From the “Miracle Kitchen” and the Green House model to the concept of cognitive load, small changes, clear layouts, visible bathrooms, strong contrast, can make spaces more intuitive and less overwhelming.

🎧 Listen now: geofaging.org/episodes/the-miracle-kitchen
The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and our sponsors, the TIAAInstitute and Rothkoff Law Group.

02/20/2026

This past Saturday, "Art, Love and Memory" brought artists, supporters, and community members together for a Valentine’s Day silent auction at Gallery 100 in Philadelphia, benefiting the Penn Memory Center (PMC).

The event featured original work by regional artists, including neesa becker-Procaccino, a Philadelphia artist living with Alzheimer’s who continues to create expressive watercolor paintings.

PMC Co-Director Jason Karlawish shared remarks about the role of art, community, and philanthropy in advancing care and research for people living with memory disorders.

Thank you to everyone who attended, bid on artwork, and supported this effort, and a special thanks to Peter Bloomfield for his partnership and generosity.

Learn more about supporting the Penn Memory Center: pennmemorycenter.org/gifts/

02/19/2026

🛒 Want to eat for brain health without spending more at the grocery store?

In our new episode of The Age of Aging, registered dietitian Trish St. Ledger shares a simple strategy: start in the produce section, shop the perimeter, and head to the middle aisles with intention. Think oats, beans, olive oil, and whole grains.

Simple swaps. Affordable staples. Real-life meal planning.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: bit.ly/3MhBcVu

The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund.

02/18/2026

Caregiving and communication often change with dementia. This in-person workshop offers a new way to reconnect.
Join the Empowering Caregivers Workshop Series at the Penn Memory Center.

Special in-person event📣
Yes, And… Improving Communication through Improv Comedy
Caregivers will learn simple improv tools that support connection, conversation, and everyday moments. Expect a live, interactive session led by PMC social worker Rachel Marx, LCSW. No experience needed. Bring curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

Event details:
- March 27 at noon
- Ralston House Wellness Center, first floor (3615 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia)
- Register here: bit.ly/4c2yM7B

02/12/2026

Caregiving is full of hard moments, but also tender ones that stay with you.

Join us for the next Empowering Caregivers session, a conversation about how to create more of those moments that matter.
Tender Moments in Caregiving

🗓️ Friday, February 13
🕛 12 p.m.
📍 On Zoom

Led by psychologists and former caregivers Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD and Julia L. Mayer, PsyD, this session explores how to shift from doing for your loved one to being with them. Expect heartfelt stories, real-life strategies, and space to reflect.

Free and open to all caregivers.
Share with other and register here: bit.ly/4rtHDUt
Catch past sessions here: bit.ly/4t4NUrj

02/10/2026

Season 5 of The Age of Aging podcast is here!

We’re kicking things off with a look at food: what to eat, how to shop, and why the MIND diet is a practical path to better brain health.

Dr. Jason Karlawish breaks down the science, and registered dietitian Trish St. Ledger brings real-world tips for affordable, sustainable changes.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: bit.ly/3MhBcVu

The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund.

02/09/2026

The Penn Memory Center Instagram is now The Age of Aging.

Follow along for powerful stories, science, and strategies for growing older with meaning and dignity, all recorded at the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub at Penn Memory Center.

📍New handle:
🎙️Season 5 kicks off tomorrow