Posted Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

From left to right: Dick Murray, Mary Ann Eller, Holly Saunders and Ron Frischman with Huntington County Council on Aging are presented a proclamation by Mayor Richard Strick (center).

HUNTINGTON – Nearly one in five Huntington County residents, according to www.census.gov, is a senior age 65 or older. Older Americans Month recognizes efforts to support them in aging in their homes and remaining active members of their community.

A proclamation issued during a ceremony Tuesday afternoon at the City Building recognized several ways the City of Huntington and its residents and community partners can work together year-round toward the objectives of Older Americans Month. These include:

• Promoting home- and community-based services that support independent living.
• Involving older adults in community planning, events and other activities.
• Providing opportunities for older adults to work, volunteer, learn, lead and mentor.

“Our group of seniors has many years of life and work experience that are insightful if you sit down and listen,” Huntington County Council on Aging Assistant Director Dick Murray said.

Murray has been affiliated with the Council on Aging for nine years. He said the agency offers services such as housekeeping, insurance counseling, flu shots, fitness classes and social activities to help local seniors “age their way” – the theme of this year’s national Older Americans Month celebrations.

The Council on Aging also operates Huntington Area Transportation, commonly known as HAT. The transportation service offers rides throughout Huntington County to senior citizens and residents of all ages. To reach HAT, call (260) 356-3006.

An upcoming Huntington County Senior Citizens Expo provides another opportunity to learn more about services for seniors. It will take place on Thursday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Huntington University Merillat Complex Fieldhouse. The event is free to attend.

“(The Council on Aging’s) biggest event is the Senior Expo held every May,” Murray said. “We average over one-thousand guests each year.”

The City of Huntington encourages those in need of senior services to call the Council on Aging at (260) 359-4410.

Click image to read the full proclamation.