Each May, communities across the country celebrate Older Americans Month, led nationally by the Administration for Community Living (ACL). This annual observance recognizes the contributions of older adults, highlights important aging-related trends, and reaffirms our shared commitment to supporting older Americans so they can live with dignity, independence, and purpose.
The 2026 theme, Champion Your Health, emphasizes prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in managing their health, advocating for themselves, and making informed decisions that support independence and overall quality of life.
As a community organization serving Adams County, the Adams County Office for Aging (ACOFA) sees firsthand the meaningful contributions older adults make every day—to families, neighborhoods, volunteer organizations, and the local economy. While it is important to celebrate these contributions, it is equally vital that we continue creating opportunities that promote healthy aging and independence for older adults throughout our community.
Across Pennsylvania, 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) serve all 67 counties, working tirelessly to provide services that help older adults remain safely in their homes for as long as possible. These agencies focus on programs and outreach that promote the physical, social, and emotional well-being of both older adults and their caregivers, while honoring dignity, respect, and personal choice.
ACOFA is proud to join this statewide and national celebration, recognizing the more than three million older Pennsylvanians who enrich our Commonwealth each day.
A great way to learn more about services that support aging in place is by attending Spring Fling on May 27th, a community event held at Gettysburg College in celebration of Older Americans Month. The event features exhibitors from health, medical, financial, insurance, and human services organizations, along with local businesses that support older adults.
From 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., participants will have the opportunity to meet with exhibitors, gather helpful information, and learn about local services and volunteer opportunities. Live entertainment will be provided by local singer Derek Reed from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Lunch will be served at noon in the College Dining Center. Lunch tickets are $5.00 and may be purchased at the ACOFA main office, located at 318 W. Middle Street in Gettysburg, or at any Adams County senior center. After lunch, everyone is invited to return to the field house for Bingo from approximately 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
As a reminder, the Adams County Office for Aging will also host a YETI Bingo fundraiser on May 31, 2026, at the Gettysburg Firehall. Tickets are $45 and may be purchased at the ACOFA main office at 318 W. Middle Street in Gettysburg. Proceeds from this event directly support essential in-home services for older adults in Adams County, including assistance with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene.
Let’s make May a month where we all prioritize and uplift older adults in our community. Whether through participation in local events, learning about available services, or supporting programs that promote independence, everyone has a role to play. Together, we can help ensure that older adults not only age—but thrive.
This May, and every day, let’s remember to Champion Your Health.
Andy Winebrenner will also participate in a forum on healthcare costs sponsored by Gettysburg DFA on June 3, 2026
