News Detail

Franklin County Celebrates Positive Impact Of Senior Centers On Older Residents

Area Agency on Aging

September 08, 2026

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – On Wednesday, the Franklin County Commissioners recognized the valuable role senior centers play in the lives of older adults by declaring September 2026 to be National Senior Center Month in Franklin County.

Franklin County is home to eight senior activity centers, more than many similarly sized counties. Their locations make Franklin County one of the most geographically accessible senior center networks in Pennsylvania and offer adults aged 60 and older access to programming, services and meals relatively close to home.

The Franklin County Area Agency on Aging estimates between 600 and 700 older adults visit its senior centers each month. Through these centers, residents can enjoy fellowship with other seniors and have opportunities to participate in recreational activities, educational seminars on a variety of topics, health and wellness programs and much more.

The centers also ensure older residents have access to food. In 2025, Franklin County’s senior centers provided 101,260 meals to older residents. That figure includes 47,622 congregate meals served at the centers, available for a small, suggested donation. Another 53,638 meals were distributed directly to residents through the Home Delivered Meal program, which provides hot or frozen nutritious meals to homebound seniors who otherwise would not have access to at least one meal every day.

While these programs and activities are made possible thanks to a small, dedicated senior center staff and community partners, much of the work is credited to hundreds of volunteers. In the first eight months of 2026, 376 volunteers donated more than 11,000 hours of their time to enhance the wellbeing of Franklin County’s older adults and their quality of life.

“Our senior centers are a valuable asset in our communities and go a long way to ensure our older residents remain connected, safe, healthy, active and independent,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Because of these centers, our seniors can feel empowered to contribute to their own health and well-being as well as the health and well-being of other residents of all ages.”

By recognizing National Senior Center Month, the commissioners called upon residents to recognize the impact these centers have on affirming the dignity, self-worth and independence of Franklin County’s older adults and enabling their continued contributions to local communities.

Franklin County’s senior activity centers are open to any county resident age 60 and older. To learn more about the centers, including details on upcoming programs, activity calendars and the centers’ monthly lunch menu, visit www.franklincountypa.gov/senior-centers.