FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Erie County Senior Services Celebrates Older Americans Month: Flipping the Script on Aging
May is National Older Americans Month. Erie County Senior Services is celebrating the strength, contributions, and community that is our aging population. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May as National Older Americans Month to honor and celebrate the contributions of older adults. This milestone paved the way for the landmark Older Americans Act (OAA), signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965. The OAA remains a cornerstone of federal policy for aging services, providing critical funding and support for a range of programs that promote health, independence, dignity, and community engagement for older adults, their families, and caregivers.
The OAA led to the creation of the Administration on Aging, now part of the Administration for Community Living (ACL). In turn, this inspired the establishment of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), such as the New York State Office for the Aging and Erie County’s Department of Senior Services. These agencies are vital to delivering local, responsive programs tailored to the needs of older residents.
Erie County Senior Services offers a comprehensive range of free programs designed to support aging adults and enhance their quality of life.
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Nutrition Services: Home-delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), community dining options at various congregate sites, frozen meal programs, cooking demos, and nutrition counseling.
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Transportation Assistance: Safe, affordable transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores, and community centers by Senior Services’ Going Places Transportation program.
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Case Management: Personalized support and planning to help older adults navigate healthcare, housing, and social services.
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Health & Wellness Programs: Evidence-based workshops and classes such as fall prevention, chronic disease self-management, and Club 99 free fitness programs.
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Caregiver Support: Respite care, counseling, and resources for family caregivers.
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In-Home Support Services: Help with tasks like housekeeping, personal care, and shopping to support independent living.
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Social Engagement Programs: Volunteer opportunities through Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), University Express lifelong learning program, various clubs, and community events to keep older adults active and connected.
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Benefits Assistance: Help with applications for programs such as HEAP, SNAP, Medicare, and other entitlements through NY Connects.
These services are made possible through federal, state, and local funding, and have been proven to result in improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced quality of life for older adults.
Each May, the ACL announces a theme for Older Americans Month to spotlight older adults’ experiences, needs, and contributions. This year’s theme, “Flipping the Script on Aging,” encourages people to challenge stereotypes and rethink the way we talk about growing older. For example, saying “She still drives” implies surprise or limitation, whereas simply stating “She drives” conveys confidence and normalcy. Similarly, common phrases like “senior moment” unfairly associate aging with cognitive decline, when in reality, many older adults lead intellectually and socially active lives well into their later years.
“Another example would be that older adults are often labeled as slow, weak, or frail. That’s a common misconception. Our staff interacts with hundreds of capable, strong, and independent older adults every day. Most are very active in their communities and in our programs. Older adults are the heartbeat of our communities.”— Randy Hoak, Commissioner of Senior Services
Older adults across Erie County continue to be pillars of our community. They are mentors, educators, caregivers, volunteers, and leaders. From organizing neighborhood clean-ups to leading civic initiatives and engaging in the arts, older adults contribute their time, talents, and wisdom in countless ways. Their presence enriches every corner of our community, and we are proud to celebrate their ongoing impact during Older Americans Month and all year long.
Just as vital as the older adults themselves are the caregivers who support them. These individuals—often family members, friends, or neighbors—provide daily care and emotional support that enables older adults to live safely at home. Unpaid caregivers save the U.S. an estimated $600 billion annually. Something as small as assisting in providing a meal for an older adult or picking up someone’s groceries qualifies as caregiving. Caregiving is rewarding but also demanding, which is why Erie County Senior Services offers programs such as respite care, training, counseling, and connection to essential resources. When we support caregivers, we strengthen the entire aging support system.
We also recognize and deeply value the many partner agencies across Erie County that make this work possible. Organizations like the Center for Elder Law & Justice, FeedMore WNY, Catholic Charities, People Inc., WNY Independent Living, and numerous other community-based nonprofits extend our reach and provide critical services to our aging population. Behind every program and service is a network of dedicated professionals, direct care aides, legal advocates, volunteers, and support staff who work with compassion and commitment every day. Their efforts—whether delivering meals, offering legal guidance, assisting with personal care, or simply providing a listening ear—are essential to the well-being of thousands of older adults in our region. Together, this workforce forms the backbone of the aging services network, and we are proud to partner with such passionate and skilled individuals and organizations.
Throughout May, Erie County Senior Services is proud to celebrate older adults by sharing inspiring stories, valuable resources, and educational content to raise awareness. Our special video series on social media will feature personal stories from community members who are redefining what aging looks like. Stay tuned for an exciting educational event coming later this month, and be on the lookout for another exciting announcement about the future of the Department!
To learn more about programs or to find out how you or a loved one can get involved, please visit www.erie.gov/seniorservices or call the NY Connects line (716) 858-8526.
Aislyn McQueen | External Relations Assistant | Erie County Senior Services
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