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Franklin County Celebrates Older Americans

Commissioners

May 12, 2022

A group of seven people stand indoors, with one person holding a framed certificate. They are positioned in front of flags and a wooden panel backdrop.
Pictured (from left): John Flannery, Franklin County Commissioner; Stacey Hess, Franklin County Aging Care Manager I; Ashley McCullough, Aging Care Manager III; Dustin Peachey, Franklin County Aging Community Services Director; Tawnya Hurley, Franklin County Area Agency on Aging Director; Dave Keller, Commissioner Chairman; and Bob Ziobrowski, Commissioner.

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners have proclaimed May 2022 to be Older Americans Month in Franklin County. In doing so, the commissioners are encouraging residents to recognize the contributions these individuals make to local communities and to help create an inclusive society that supports older Americans’ choices in aging successfully.

 

Older Americans play a variety of vital roles, including those of family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, community leaders, members of the workforce and more. How these men and women choose to age can be as unique as each individual, but making a plan ahead of time and taking future wishes and needs into consideration can make a difference as adults transition into the latter stages of their lives.

 

“We’ve heard so many times that the key to getting older is to stay active and keep moving,” said Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller. “Franklin County citizens, businesses and other stakeholders are encouraged to build a better community for older adults by planning programs that encourage older residents’ independence, ensuring activities are responsive to individual needs and preferences, and increasing access to services that support aging in place.”

 

Older Americans Month coincides with National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day on May 16. It is a time to raise awareness of older adults’ mental health needs, highlight available services and supports, and encourage aging organizations and mental health partners to collaborate to best serve older Americans.

Locally, the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging provides a planned program of supported services to those 60 years and older, intended to optimize independence, promote consumer choice and enhance quality of life. For more information on services and resources, call 717-263-2153 or visit www.franklincountypa.gov.