Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) today announced it has partnered with the National Center to Reframe Aging (NCRA) – the leading organization dedicated to ending ageism in America – to explore ways to promote and strengthen Pennsylvania’s 400+ Senior Community Centers (SCCs) as vibrant, in-person community hubs that connect older adults to vital resources, services, and broader community life.
PDA and NCRA will collaborate with SCC leaders and key organizations to reframe communications about SCCs with the goal of increasing public awareness and appreciation of what they offer – and investment in the SCCs as a key player in what the future of aging will look like in Pennsylvania. This partnership is a key tactic in Aging Our Way, PA – Pennsylvania’s 10-year multisector plan on aging that was designed to meet the needs and preferences of older adults across the Commonwealth.
“Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers are a focal point in our communities and an essential part of daily life for the older adults they serve. A center may provide the only interaction that an older adult has some days. Despite playing a vital role in the health and well-being of older adults, perceptions of these centers are often shaped by stereotypes,” said Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich. “When we developed Aging Our Way, PA, we listened to people in all 67 counties in the Commonwealth about the desire to reimagine our centers. We look forward to working with our 52 Area Agencies on Aging, Senior Community Centers, and our partners at the National Center to Reframe Aging to respond to the needs of older Pennsylvanians.”
As part of the collaboration, PDA and NCRA have convened an advisory panel composed of older adults and professionals working in the Senior Community Center (SCC) space to help guide the process. The Department will also engage center leaders and older adults who use the centers to gather input on the current state of SCCs.
“Senior Centers are a cornerstone of our social and public health infrastructure – offering opportunities for engagement, learning, and sharing experiences across generations. Yet outdated ideas about aging continue to shape our perception and limit the investment these centers deserve. By reframing the conversation, we can build stronger community support for senior community centers as vital spaces where older people remain active, connected, and valued,” said Trish D’Antonio, Executive Director of the National Center to Reframe Aging.
The more than 400 Area Agency on Aging-affiliated Senior Community Centers throughout Pennsylvania welcome thousands of older adults through their doors each day, offering nutritious meals, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial and insurance counseling, exercise programs and more. Learn more about SCCs and the Aging Our Way, PA plan by visiting the Department of Aging’s website.