Did you know that August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day? For us at the Open Link, it’s an important day to recognize this amazing segment of the population, what they bring to our organization, and how we support our Valley seniors each day!
Our Senior Volunteers
Our active older adults (as I prefer to call them, since I am closer to being one every day!) are the backbone of our volunteering efforts. More than half of The Open Link’s 300 volunteers are over the age of 60. Many are winding down their careers and have decided that it is time to support our Valley community in a deeper way. They help in every aspect of The Open Link, including serving on the board and committees, running the Code Blue shelter, packing and distributing Pantry orders, tutoring adult learners in our HSE program, packing and distributing lunches for our Summer Kids Meal Program, and SO much more. In 2025 alone, these senior volunteers contributed more than 5,000 hours of service to the organization. In dollars, their efforts contributed a budget-relieving $180,000 that will go towards supporting our Valley community.
If you ask our older volunteers why they help The Open Link, you will get lots of different answers, including:
- “We’ve always wanted to be able to help in a meaningful way, and now we have time!”
- “This is something I looked forward to when I retired.”
- “My church is involved with TOL, so it was a great way to demonstrate my faith.”
- “I love meeting the other volunteers.”
- “I needed something to do!”
Whatever the reason, we are incredible grateful for their support, as we could not do half of work without them.
The Center
National Senior Citizens Day is also a great time to recognize that more than 40% of those who live in the Valley are over the age of 60. In fact, those over 65 are the fastest growing population in Pennsylvania, with an increase of 13% since 2020.
Our Center has certainly seen an increase in participation over the last year, and it’s no wonder! Equally as important as volunteering, active older adults can also participate at The Center, which offers ways to connect with fellow seniors, decrease isolation, eat a healthy, nutritious lunch (that they don’t have to prepare!), and learn more about new topics, hobbies, and interests Monday-Friday. Additionally, since the remodel of the Lower Level, each month, The Center has been able to host even more fun and engaging programs and events. From morning exercise classes to billiards to Monday Mindfulness and mahjong, there is always something happening at The Center!
Some of The Center’s August programming includes:
- A Home Weatherization Program presentation from CAADC,
- “Getting Old Is Not for Sissies,” an expert panel discussion on the challenges of aging,
- Chair Volleyball,
- Trivia,
- A soap making demonstration,
- And so much more!
Additionally, On August 21, yours truly will be the emcee at our very special Red Carpet Bingo at The Center. For more information on this or any activities at the Center, click to read The Center’s August newsletter.
Additional Senior Resources
The Center is just one way that The Open Link support seniors in our community. Our Pantry provides two low-income senior communities with grocery delivery twice per month, as well as DoorDash delivery for those who have trouble driving. Our case management team helps seniors navigate the increasingly complicated system of acquiring benefits, like SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, rent rebates, and veterans benefits. We are also seeing more seniors who are facing complex challenges, such as evictions, memory loss, financial struggles while living low, fixed incomes, and caretaking for spouses.
While our organization cannot fix every issue, we are able to identify resources and supports for our older community members in difficult times. We help them connect with the county and state systems, provide a ride to the doctor, provide emergency utility and rent support, and even an emergency bag of food if needed. Most importantly, we advocate for our senior neighbors so that our they don’t fall through the cracks. If you have a senior in your life who is struggling to get the assistance they need, please reach out to us so that we can help or point them in the right direction.
Our senior citizens - active older adults! - have been and continue to be the backbone of the Valley. Without their efforts throughout their lives, this community would not be the amazing, well-connected, vibrant, and caring place that it is. Celebrate a senior citizen on August 21 and every day!
