Publication of Pima Council on Aging, Helping Pima County Age Well Since 1967
THE STERLING PCOA Leaders Attend National Conference on Aging and Culture Change
SUMMER 2025
THIS ISSUE On Aging Conference . . . . . .1-2 A Lifeline, Not Just a Class . . . . 2 More Than a Will . . . . 3 Partner Spotlight . . . . 3
In April 2025, leaders from PCOA traveled to Orlando to attend On Aging 2025 , the nation’s largest multidisciplinary conference on aging, hosted by the American Society on Aging. Yadira Mosqueira (Director, PimaCare at Home) and Sarah Spearman (Vice President, Philanthropy and Communications) joined thousands of professionals, policymakers, and advocates to explore this year’s powerful theme: Ageism & Culture. Together, they attended sessions focused on dismantling age-based stereotypes, promoting positive narratives about aging, and building
PCOA was proud to be represented at the 2025 American Society on Aging Conference by (from left to right) Yadira Mosqueira, Director of PCOA’s PimaCare at Home and Sarah Spearman, Vice President, Philanthropy and Communications with Elizabeth Cozzi and Frances Rogers from United Way.
more inclusive systems of care. Highlights included keynote addresses on the economic and health consequences of ageism, breakout sessions on intergenerational programs, culturally responsive care, and workforce innovations—and a proud moment as PCOA’s own Sarah Bahnson was nationally recognized for their leadership in creating more welcoming, responsive systems for older adults. While at the conference, PCOA also strengthened partnerships with organizations like United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that helps our community thrive.
Together, we’re not just serving older adults—we’re
transforming the way our community sees aging itself.
Our team returned energized, armed with new tools and insights to strengthen services, advocate for change, and lead boldly in Pima County. Their participation underscored PCOA’s commitment to staying at the forefront of aging services—responding to today’s needs while shaping a future where aging is celebrated, not marginalized. By investing in national collaboration and professional development, PCOA ensures that your support fuels innovation, equity, and excellence in aging. Together, we’re not just serving older adults—we’re transforming the way our community sees aging itself. A Lifeline, Not Just a Class How Your Gift Keeps Older Adults Moving, Connected, and Thriving
Sarah Bahnson, receiving the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award from the American Society on Aging.
I can say that this program has changed and improved my quality of life. –Victoria
When Victoria first heard about EnhanceFitness ® , she wasn’t sure it was for her. She had been through a lot in her life—more than most could imagine. “I am a survivor of a violent crime,” she wrote. “My PTSD prevents me from many things such as walking around the block, walking a track in a public park, and sometimes getting out of my house in general without feeling anxious or fearful.” After her husband passed away in 2018 and she retired from teaching, Victoria found herself alone more often. She had spent her life caring for others—her students, her daughters, her late husband—and hadn’t made time for her own health. That changed when her sister encouraged her to try PCOA’s EnhanceFitness ® classes at El Rio Neighborhood Center. She showed up, kept coming back, and soon found something she didn’t expect. “PCOA’s EnhanceFitness ® fulfills my Therapist and Physician’s recommendations,” she shared. “It gives me a sense of belonging and fellowship that I can look forward to each week.” Now, Victoria goes to class two or three times a week. She also attends PCOA Chair Yoga and talks with her counselor every two weeks. She is taking care of her health—body and mind.
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“I can say that this program has changed and improved my quality of life.” Thanks to donors like you, Victoria has found more than a class—she’s found community, confidence, and hope. Your generosity helps keep programs like EnhanceFitness ® going. It helps people like Victoria feel strong, safe, and supported. More Than a Will Giving Older Adults the Tools to Plan Ahead In partnership with the Planned Giving Round Table of Southern Arizona At PCOA, we know that aging well starts with being prepared, and knowledge is one of the best gifts we can offer. That’s why we teamed up with the Planned Giving Round Table of Southern Arizona to present a free event: Why a Will is Not Enough. This special session helped older adults and their families better understand the estate planning process, and gave them the tools to protect their future. With expert guidance from attorneys Shannon Derksen and James Riley, participants learned about: • The difference between wills and trusts • How to avoid probate
Planning for the Future, Made Simple
PCOA offers FreeWill , a free, secure online tool that helps you create a legally valid will in 20 minutes or less. Whether you’re just getting started or revisiting your estate plans, FreeWill can help ensure your wishes are clear—and your legacy lives on. LEARN MORE AT legacygiving.pcoa.org
• Powers of attorney for finances and healthcare • Ways to align legacy plans with personal values The response was overwhelming: “This was so helpful.” “Thank you—I didn’t know how much I didn’t know.”
Events like this do more than share facts. They give people peace of mind. They also reflect what we believe at PCOA: older adults should feel informed, empowered, and supported as they plan for the road ahead. Thanks to your support, we can offer trusted, no-cost sessions like this one—on everything from estate planning to Medicare education to healthy aging. You’re helping older adults in our community make confident choices about their future. Join us during Make a Will Month on August 22 for Why a Will is Not Enough . Reserve your space today at bit.ly/pcoawhyawill
Partner Spotlight: Vantage West Credit Union
At Pima Council on Aging, we believe community partnerships are key to lasting impact—and Vantage West Credit Union exemplifies just that. Through their longstanding membership program, they’ve contributed support to critical programs like meal delivery, home repairs, and caregiver resources—ensuring that aging comes with dignity, independence, and care. We are deeply grateful to Vantage West Credit Union and their members for standing with us. Together, we’re building a stronger, more supportive community for every older adult we serve.
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Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Tucson, AZ Permit #1456
600 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85716
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Your Philanthropy Team is Here for You! Please feel free to contact us—we’d love to hear from you!
Legacy Giving For many of us, as we age we consider how to leave a lasting legacy for our community. By leaving Pima Council on Aging in your will, you can provide critical assistance for older adults in need. Please visit legacygiving.pcoa.org to find out more!
Sarah Spearman VP, Philanthropy & Communications 520.790.7573 ext 5043 sspearman@pcoa.org
Sara Mathis Development Director 520.790.7573 ext 5042 smathis@pcoa.org Jan Slonaker Development Assistant jslonaker@pcoa.org
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