We recently renamed our department of senior services as the Erie County Department for the Aging to better reflect the modern vision of aging and to renew our commitment to serving older adults with dignity, inclusion, and forward-thinking care. The department’s new name, branding and messaging was carefully crafted to promote clarity and reduce stigma as we celebrate the seniors in our lives.
It’s estimated that more than 25 percent of Erie County’s population will be over the age of 60 by the year 2030. We remain committed to offering programs and activities to keep seniors busy and engaged year-round. Our annual Erie County Senior Picnic held last month at Como Lake Park is just one example. Over 700 local seniors enjoyed a day of food and drink, friendship, and entertainment. I was pleased to see many familiar faces and also met some local seniors for the first time.
The Department for the Aging serves tens of thousands of individuals across Erie County by collaborating with over three dozen municipalities to provide a wide spectrum of essential services using a proactive and preventative approach of meeting the needs of older adults. In addition to interacting with adults approaching retirement age or who are already retired, our department also actively communicates with caregivers by providing information on supportive services for their loved ones…