National Senior Center Month spotlights how centers power possibilities for older adults

Contact
Simona Combi
Public Relations Manager
571-527-3982
simona.combi@ncoa.org

Aug. 18, 2025, Arlington, VA—The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person’s right to age well, will be celebrating National Senior Center Month in September. This year’s theme of Powering Possibilities: Flip the Script invites Americans to challenge outdated perceptions of aging and learn about the dynamic role senior centers play in fostering creativity, connection, purpose, and resilience in later life.

“Aging is a dynamic phase of our lives,” said Dianne Stone, Associate Director of Network Development and Engagement at NCOA. “We all want to continue learning, growing, and contributing to our communities, and today’s senior centers help us do that."

Visit your local center, and you will find belonging, joy, and meaning—while also learning about community resources to help you stay independent.”

There are more than 11,000 senior centers nationwide and each is unique to its community. Many of the programs and services they offer are supported by the Older Americans Act (OAA), which is up for reauthorization and facing cuts in next year’s federal budget. NCOA is advocating that Congress fully fund healthy aging and meals programs at senior centers and ensure that every American has access to a modern senior center. OAA funds congregate and home-delivered meals, health promotion services, falls prevention programs, and job training, among many other services for older adults.

Every day, 11,000 Americans turns 65. Senior centers often serve up to three generations under one roof, and they offer a wide variety of programs to support health, social engagement, and purpose in their communities. The demand for senior centers will continue to grow and we can all benefit from the positive impact modern senior centers have on staying active, engaged, and connected.

To promote innovative programming, NCOA’s National Institute of Senior Centers, the only organization focused exclusively on supporting the senior center network, recently awarded its 2025 Programs of Excellence Awards. Among the winners are:

• Murder Mystery Dinners at Davidson County Senior Services, North Carolina, which hosts social events where guests work together to solve a fake murder while enjoying a meal together.
• S.L.A.Y. (Seniors Living Their Active Years) at the Pikesville Senior Center, Maryland, which offers activities outside the center for older adults who want more social interaction, such as art, music, theater, community service, fitness, and international travel.
• Bridging Generations and Preserving Memories through Virtual Reality at Macedonia FACE, Pennsylvania, which offers virtual reality sessions that allow older adults to "walk" through cherished landmarks and share memories.

Throughout September, local centers across the country will celebrate National Senior Center Month with:

• Workshops and classes on wellness, arts, and new skills
• Social events that encourage engagement and cultural exploration
• Health and wellness programs focused on physical activity, nutrition, falls prevention, and chronic disease self-management
• Tools for financial well-being and enrollment in benefits
• Intergenerational programs that create meaningful connections and support for older adults

NCOA-affiliated senior centers are listed on NCOA’s map of partners.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more by following us at @NCOAging.