JHF concluded its six-part, invitation-only Aging Made Simple virtual series with a session highlighting how regional partners could align their services within a future Pittsburgh Longevity Hub. In the series finale, leaders from several Pittsburgh organizations explored how their programs could come together in a neighborhood-based “longevity hub,” a coordinated model designed to help older adults remain healthy, independent, and connected.
Susan Kalson, JD, of the Squirrel Hill Health Center highlighted the organization’s strong foundation in geriatric care and its role in providing accessible health services, while Jason Kunzman, CPA, MBA, of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh (JCC) shared a vision for expanding the JCC campus with intergenerational housing, family programming, and innovative wellness spaces. Together, these efforts reflect a broader goal of integrating health care with social and community supports.
Speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration across services that support aging in place. Mary Anne Foley, RN, MSN, of the Jewish Association on Aging described a continuum of care that includes home-delivered meals, clinical services, residential options, and caregiver support, alongside emerging tools like telehealth and predictive analytics. Jordan Golin, PsyD, of Jewish Family and Community Services highlighted programs that connect older adults to behavioral health care, employment services, and care navigation, all critical to maintaining purpose and well-being.
Additional models presented by Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, including Community LIFE (PACE), Envisage, and Dementia360, demonstrated how comprehensive, home- and community-based services can help older adults remain in their homes. Collectively, these approaches illustrate how a Longevity Hub could align health care, housing, and supportive services into a cohesive system that meets the evolving needs of older adults and their caregivers.
Dr. Feinstein concluded the session by outlining the path forward for realizing the Pittsburgh Longevity Hub. She noted that the region already has many of the ingredients needed for success, including committed partners, strong academic institutions, engaged public officials, and neighborhoods rich with assets. While a lot of work remains, such as establishing a shared governance structure, securing regulatory flexibility, and developing a sustainable public–private funding model, she said the partners’ ideas show strong potential to bring to life the Pittsburgh Longevity Hub.
“The Pittsburgh Model could become a test bed for aging technologies and integrated services,” Dr. Feinstein said. “If we’re going to do something big, we should think about doing it now. The demographic shift is an opportunity, and we hope to make the most of it.”
