June 11, 2026 - Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania's more than 400 senior community centers offer connection, activity and access to life-enriching resources to keep older adults healthy and thriving.SCCs are not nursing homes or assisted living facilities; they are neighborhood spaces for older adults to stay active and independent.Delivering on another key tactic in Aging Our Way, PA - the Commonwealth 's 10-year multisector plan to improve services and supports for older adults-the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) today released the results of a national partnership to increase awareness of and participation in Pennsylvania 's more than 400 Senior Community Centers (SCCs).Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich hosted a Community Conversation centered on how the Commonwealth is working to reshape the way Pennsylvanians think and talk about SCCs. The conversation highlighted lessons learned throughout the project and discussed next steps for implementation."Senior community centers have a huge role to play in the future of aging in Pennsylvania, which is why we forged a national partnership to explore how we can best support them," said Secretary Kavulich. "Senior community centers are vibrant social hubs where active older adults find what we all need at every age - friendship, activities, support and a sense of belonging."The project is another key action item of Aging Our Way, PA, Pennsylvania 's strategic plan launched by the Shapiro Administration: to strengthen awareness, engagement and investment in SCCs. The project produced recommendations and practical "how-to" guidance for applying these approaches in senior centers across Pennsylvania. Strategies for helping people understand SCCs differently include:Moving away from assumptions and creating understanding: "Senior community centers are community spaces-similar to libraries or parks-that help people stay active, engaged, and connected as they age."Moving away from who goes to senior centers to why communities need them: "Real connection depends on whether communities create spaces, activities, and transportation that make participation possible."Speakers:Secretary of Aging Jason KavulichPatricia D'Antonio, Executive Director, National Center to Reframe AgingRenee Cunningham, President, PA Association of Senior Centers and Executive Director, Center in the ParkHannah Albers, Director of Program Development, National Center to Reframe Aging (Moderator)Jeff Miller, Reframing Project Advisory Council member
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