Area Seniors Find Friends, Support at LifeSpan

Non-profit network now includes six centers throughout county

By Vickie Babyak
The Tube City Almanac
August 19, 2024
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

A group of friends pose for a portrait while playing a game of cards. Front left is Bill Hall from White Oak, sitting behind him is Rita Gallo from White Oak, on the opposite side of the table sitting in front, is Marlanna Steiner from West Mifflin, and behind her is Kathy Sloan from Elizabeth Twp. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)

Judy Marcase of Greenock is an older adult who likes staying active and independent. She enjoys dancing, exercise and computer time. Like a number of senior citizens in the Mon Valley, she finds all three activities — and more — at her local LifeSpan resource center, located in Olympia Shopping Center.

“Growing older is challenging and I believe that being there for an older person can help change how they feel,” Marcic said.

The Mon Valley LifeSpan in Versailles is one of six resource centers in Allegheny County that also include Homestead, Bethel Park, North Fayette Twp., and the Pittsburgh neighborhoods of Chartiers and Knoxville.

LifeSpan is a non-profit resource and service center for people aged 60 plus, and has been located in Olympia Shopping Center since 2015. Each month, the center has a calendar filled with activities, and every weekday a healthy lunch is served to older adults for a suggested donation.

Amy Marcic from McKeesport, Judy Marcase from Greenock, and Deb Kebles from McKeesport pose for a portrait in front of the Life Span bingo board.

Amy Marcic from McKeesport, Judy Marcase from Greenock and Deb Kebles from McKeesport pose for a portrait in front of the LifeSpan bingo board. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)

“I feel like LifeSpan is a hidden gem in McKeesport that not a lot of people know about,” said Amy Marcic, Mon Valley Center supervisor.

LifeSpan, Inc., was established in 1999, but the organization traces its lineage back to 1972 and the creation of Steel Valley Meals on Wheels in Homestead.

As the organization grew, it added transportation and homemaker services designed to help individuals remain in their homes and live more independently. Steel Valley Meals on Wheels became New Heritage, Inc., in 1973 and and began to expand its service area.

Separately, another organization was formed in 1973 that eventually became known as Southwest Services, Inc., to provide similar support to healthy, active seniors.

New Heritage and Southwest Services merged in 1999.

Today, Marcic said, LifeSpan partners with a wide variety of social-service organizations, including Stay Active & Independent for Life, or SAIL, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, Community College of Allegheny County, Jefferson Community Collaborative, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and MEDICONNECT (Bridging the Healthcare Gap).

Together, the six LifeSpan community resource centers provide recreational and educational activities, an array of program benefits, caregiver support, and a care management program.

Marcic appreciates being able to connect consumers with resources offered by LifeSpan. The Mon Valley Center has a library, computer area, a variety of educational classes, and helpful information for daily living.

“We are accredited by the National Institute of Senior Centers, which means that we demonstrate and adhere to rigorous standards set by national accrediting organizations for safety, cleanliness, equipment and personnel,” Marcic said.

For people who are homebound or unable to travel, LifeSpan offers virtual programming, home-delivered meals and a pet program called “Tails of Kindness” that provides a bag of pet food weekly for Meals on Wheels participants.

Bill Jackowski from McKeesport and Judy Marcase pose for a portrait at the pool table in the Mon Valley LifeSpan resource center. (Vickie Babyak photo for Tube City Almanac)

The need for programs such as LifeSpan is expected to remain strong. According to Allegheny County’s official projection on aging population and trends, approximately 27 percent of the population is age 60 and over, and a study by Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging estimates a 40 percent increase of people aged 65 plus by 2030, and an increase of 75 percent for people aged 85 plus between the years 2030-2045.

Like Marcase, a number of senior citizens meet at the Mon Valley LifeSpan center regularly for lunch, play card games, join exercise groups, and have fun at holiday parties.

“We go on senior trips to local attractions, line dance, and play pool,” Marcase said. “I especially like the SAIL program and rhythm classes.”

Experts on healthy aging have attested to the importance of older adults staying physically and socially active. Exercise improves cardiovascular health, mobility, bone density, and helps control weight, while participating in social activities promotes mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing.

Another LifeSpan consumer, Bill Jackowski of McKeesport said, “I like everything, but my favorite is bingo.”

Karen Patello of Wilson volunteers as a kitchen aide and senior teaching class volunteer for multiple activities. She said after she is finished with her work she also likes to join the bingo games held at the center.

“I like working with all the people and the variety of activities offered here are really nice,” Patello said.

For more information on membership and volunteer work, contact Amy Marcic at (412) 664-5434 or stop by the center at 4313 Walnut St., McKeesport.

Vickie Babyak is a Dravosburg-based writer and photographer. She can be reached at vbabyak@yahoo.com.

Originally published August 19, 2024.

In other news:
"E. McKeesport Names N…" || "Supporters Say PA Lea…"