Adams County Office for Aging, Inc.

07/18/2024

An “All Senior Center”’road trip for Lunch at The new Farmhouse Restaurant. This was a terrific outing with great food and even better company. I think you can say that we all left with full stomachs. 😂

07/16/2024

Farmers market at St Joe’s in McSherrystown. It was a terrific turnout.

07/15/2024

Upper Adams Senior Center is doing some card making with Cheryl. Come out and get your "craft" on. 🥹

07/15/2024

Heat Watch vs. Warning

Excessive Heat Warning—Take Action! An Excessive Heat Warning is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Warning is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher for at least 2 days and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas not used to extreme heat conditions. If you don't take precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die.

Excessive Heat Watches—Be Prepared! Heat watches are issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours. A Watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.

Heat Advisory—Take Action! A Heat Advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions. The general rule of thumb for this Advisory is when the maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 100° or higher for at least 2 days, and night time air temperatures will not drop below 75°; however, these criteria vary across the country, especially for areas that are not used to dangerous heat conditions. Take precautions to avoid heat illness. If you don't take precautions, you may become seriously ill or even die.
Excessive Heat Outlooks—Be Aware! The outlooks are issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days. An Outlook provides information to those who need considerable lead-time to prepare for the event

07/11/2024

Fairfield Senior Center has some fun with painting. Pretty amazing artist :)😀 New comers always welcome. Located at the Fairfield Fire Station.

07/11/2024

Upper Adams Senior Center enjoying a Hummingbird Presentation thanks to Rick Baker. There is something for everyone at our senior centers.

07/05/2024

06/27/2024

Our very own Supervisor is now a Dementia Champion!
Great job Jessica.

Join with us in congratulating this wonderful group of new Dementia Friends Champion Volunteers! 🤩

These Champions are eager to spread awareness and knowledge within their communities across Pennsylvania!

Two of the new Champions are from Mifflin County, PA and represent the first Champions in the county! Congrats again!

Pennsylvania Department of Aging

06/25/2024

10 THINGS ANYONE CAN DO TO PROTECT SENIORS
Every year an estimated 2.1 million older Americans
are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And
that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for
every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as
five cases go unreported.
Elder abuse happens, but everyone can act to protect
seniors.

Here are 10 things you can do to help prevent
elder abuse:

1. Learn the signs of elder abuse and neglect.
2. Call or visit elderly relatives, friends, and
neighbors and ask how they are doing.
3. Provide a respite for a caregiver by filling in for
a few hours or more.
4. Ask an older acquaintance to share his or her
talents by teaching you or your children a
new skill.
5. Ask your faith leaders to discuss with their
congregations elder abuse prevention and the
importance of respecting older adults.
6. Ask your bank manager to train tellers on how
to detect financial exploitation of elders.
7. Suggest your doctor talk to his or her older
patients individually about possible abuse.
8. Contact your local adult protective services or
long-term care ombudsman to learn how to
support their work helping at-risk elders.
9. Volunteer to be a friendly visitor to a nursing
home resident or homebound elder in your
community.
10. Send a letter to your local paper, radio, or TV
station suggesting it cover World Elder Abuse
Awareness Day or National Grandparents Day.

Disclaimer:
This document was produced for the National Center on Elder Abuse by the University of Delaware and was supported in part by a grant from the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) (90-AM-3146-02). Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and
conclusions. Therefore, points of view or opinions within this document do not necessarily represent official Administration on Aging or DHHS policy.

06/24/2024

In search of someone to assemble 2 large storage containers (like the metal ones you get from Lowes) and a pool table at our Littlestown Senior Center. The pool table should just be adding the legs, but the table would require some help is my guess. If anyone can recommend a handy man, I would appreciate it!

06/21/2024

McSherrystown Senior Center knows how to throw a party! Come on by and join the fun :)

06/17/2024

It’s now as easy to check your blood pressure as it is to check out a book at the local library.

06/17/2024

ESCAPE THE HEAT!! Our senior centers around Adams County are inviting older people to come in and stay cool.

The National Weather Service is warning of high heat across all of Central Pennsylvania this week, beginning on Tuesday.

A heat advisory has been posted for all of Central Pennsylvania, including but not limited to Franklin, Fulton, Cumberland, and Adams Counties as heat indexes are set to run between 95 and 100 degrees in valley locations during the daytime on Tuesday.

That advisory remains in effect, at least as of right now, between 12 noon and 8pm on Tuesday. The heatwave, the NWS emphasizes, is expected to continue through next week with the hottest temperatures of the summer so far.

As per many advisories from the National Weather Service and other organizations, everyone is reminded to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun as much as possible, and to stay in an air-conditioned room.

06/14/2024

Having a Senior Social Life:

1. Participate in Group Activities
Participation in group activities is a fantastic way to create connections and nurture friendships. From yoga classes and art workshops to group outings, there are numerous avenues to engage with other seniors. Participating in these activities allows seniors to share experiences, learn from each other, and find common grounds for friendship. Moreover, it promotes active aging and cognitive stimulation.

While participating, it is important to encourage seniors to be open to trying new activities and meeting new people. This openness can often lead to the blossoming of unexpected and fulfilling friendships. At our senior centers throughout Adams County, we encourage our seniors to participate in daily group activities.

2. Volunteer in the Community
Volunteering is another excellent way for seniors to make new friends. It brings people together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. Whether it’s helping in the garden, assisting with an event, or contributing to a charity drive, we have seen that these endeavors allow seniors to interact and form bonds with someone who is experiencing similar life circumstances.

Additionally, volunteering instills a sense of purpose and can significantly enhance self-esteem, making it a rewarding experience beyond building friendships. If your loved one is able, look for opportunities within your local community for volunteer work. I know we can always use another meals on wheels volunteer...

3. Use Technology to Connect
In today’s digital age, technology offers another avenue for social connections. We encourage our seniors, in general, to embrace technology to keep in touch with friends and family and meet new people. Whether through video calls, social media platforms, or online forums, technology can bridge distance and time barriers. Seniors can join online groups that match their interests, allowing them to connect with a broader community.

However, we believe online safety is very important and it’s vital to remain vigilant about protecting our senior population from those who may want to take advantage of their situation. Use only reputable platforms, protect your personal information, and avoid sharing sensitive data online. With the right approach, technology can be a powerful tool in maintaining and creating new friendships.

06/14/2024

Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers Still Available at the Adams County Office for Aging at 318 W Middle Street, Gettysburg, at any of our senior centers and of course at the Farmers Market (but only on Saturdays).

06/12/2024

06/11/2024

Why eat alone when you can eat lunch with this amazing group at the York Springs Senior Center.

06/10/2024

Farmers Market Nutrition Program Vouchers Available at the Adams County Office for Aging at 318 W Middle Street, Gettysburg and any of our senior centers.

The WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provide WIC recipients and low income seniors with fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from approved farmers' in Pennsylvania.

05/30/2024

Farmers' market vouchers for seniors ready June 3
The Adams County Office for Aging Inc. (ACOFA) in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will distribute fruit and vegetable vouchers to qualifying adults age 60-plus beginning June 3.

A person is eligible if they are 60 years of age or older and live in Adams County. There are income guidelines set by the federal government for program participation.

The 2024 income limit for a single person is $27,861, and for a married couple is $37,814. Each person who qualifies will receive five $10 vouchers for a total of $50 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables purchased at approved farmer’s markets. The produce must be “grown or growable” in Pennsylvania, according to the release.

For more information about the program, visit www.pafmnp.org.

To receive vouchers eligible individuals should go to the ACOFA office, or any one of the locations listed below and bring identification to verify age and residence.

For this program, the applicant’s income is self-declared. This means that by signing for a set of vouchers, the person is stating that they are income eligible. There is no need to bring financial documents.

A signed, completed Farmers Market Proxy Form is required for anyone picking up vouchers for any other eligible person (including a spouse.) These forms are available at ACOFA and the senior centers. Vouchers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Each person may receive only one set of vouchers; a couple receives two sets.

Vouchers are also available at the Adams County Farmers Market starting June 1 and every Saturday thereafter. This market location will also double the value of the vouchers for twice the nutrition.
The market is located at the Gettysburg Rec Park, 545 Long Lane, Gettysburg, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

These following locations will start distribution on June 3:

* Adams County Office for Aging Inc. is located at 318 W. Middle St., Gettysburg and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

* Fairfield Area Center, 106 Steelman St., Fairfield, Monday through Thursday, 8:30–11 a.m.
* Littlestown Center, 10 E. Locust St., Littlestown, Monday, through Friday, 8-11:30 a.m.
* McSherrystown Center, 201 N. Third St., McSherrystown, Monday through Friday, 9-11:30 a.m.
* Upper Adams Center, 300 E. York St., Biglerville, Monday through Thursday, 8-11:30 a.m.
*York Springs Center, Lion’s Club Building, York Springs, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, call 717-334-9296 or 1-800-548-3240 or visit www.acofa.org.

05/29/2024

Thank you to all our Spring Fling volunteers! You are integral to helping the Office for Aging.

05/29/2024

Come out to Gettysburg College Field house for our Spring Fling! So many services for our aging community.

05/21/2024

Spring Fling is right around the corner...

May 29 from 9a-12n come visit and learn about all the services that Adams County has to offer. Then relax with some friends over lunch (meal ticket is required) and finish your day with Bingo. Hope to see you there!

05/16/2024

05/10/2024

HELP HELP!!! We are in dire need of help to keep providing our meals on wheels program in Adams County. We have so many volunteers that help us throughout the year, but summertime becomes tough. If you are able to donate about an hour of your time a one day per week... you would make a huge difference! Please contact the ACOFA office at 717-334-9296.

Please help us, help the seniors who rely on this service. Thank you!