The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is seeking input in the development of Pennsylvania's Master Plan for Older Adults - a 10-year plan that will be designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for all older Pennsylvanians. The Master Plan will also reflect the needs and?preferences of?this population?to live?where they choose and access the supports they need to thrive and age in place.?The department remains committed to ensuring that Pennsylvanians of all sexual orientations and gender identities are able to grow older with access to resources and services that are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and LGBTQ+-affirming. As part of this commitment, the Department invites you to attend its Master Plan for Older Adults Virtual Town Hall for LGBTQ+ communities on Wednesday, August 16 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sign up at https://form.jotform.com/P4A_Events/registration-pda-mp-th-lgbtq_Aug-16

Harrisburg, PA - 10/12/2022 – The Pennsylvania Department of Aging today announced that 621 participants from 27 states and Washington D.C. in the continental U.S., and St. Croix, Guam, and parts of Canada, attended its virtual LGBTQ Aging Summit and Institute on HIV and Aging on October 6 and October 7.

Harrisburg, PA - Septmber 13, 2022 - The Pennsylvania Department of Aging today announced registration is now open for its virtual LGBTQ Aging Summit and Institute on HIV and Aging, which will take place Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7. All LGBTQ older adults, stakeholders, aging service providers, advocates and allies are encouraged to attend

May was Older Americans Month. The theme of this year's observance was "Age My Way," a phrase I continue to reflect upon as we find ourselves in the midst of Pride Month celebration activities. For LGBTQ older adults, ageism piles onto the homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, and societal rejection that many of the nation's estimated three million LGBTQ people over 50 years old have experienced most of their lives.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - June 17, 2022 - The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) has received The Founders' Award for LGBTQ Health Equity from the Elder Initiative at William Way LGBT Community Center for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in its outreach and service delivery to LGBTQ older adults. The organization presented the award to Secretary Robert Torres during A Cause for Applause - an annual benefit for the Elder Initiative at William Way on June 9.

Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Aging today announced that older adults who will soon be turning 65 and are not yet enrolled in Medicare can attend a free virtual event to learn about their healthcare coverage options when enrolling for Medicare.

Harrisburg, PA - March 26, 2021 - Continuing its work on the growing issue of social isolation among older adults, the Pennsylvania Council on Aging (PCoA) hosted a Social Isolation Symposium to present information and resources virtually to individuals who work with older adults, including caregivers, health care staff, stakeholders and the public. Titled "Directions for Connections," this first-of-its-kind event in Pennsylvania featured nationally known speakers focusing on the impact of social isolation, and how to get older adults engaged to ensure their continued health and wellbeing.

Harrisburg, PA - March 19, 2021 - Continuing its work on the growing issue of social isolation among older adults, the Pennsylvania Council on Aging (PCoA) announced it will host a Social Isolation Symposium to present information and resources to individuals who work with older adults, including caregivers, health care staff, stakeholders and the public. Titled "Directions for Connections," this first-of-its-kind event in Pennsylvania will feature nationally known speakers focusing on the impact of social isolation, and how to get older adults engaged to ensure their continued health and wellbeing.

A new directive has taken effect for Older Adult LGBTQ people. As of March 1st, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) recognizes Older Adult LGBTQ people as "Greatest Social Need". A more thorough explanation was provided by Secretary of the PA Department of Aging Robert Torres: "The purpose of this Aging program Directive is to recognize and designate LGBTQ older adults as a population of "greatest social need" as defined in the Older Americans Act, in addition to those populations already included in the Act, and to provide guidance on responsive service delivery for LGBTQ older adults."

Harrisburg, PA - November 16, 2020 - The Pennsylvania Council on Aging (PCoA) today released an interactive guide with information and resources to help older adults cultivate a healthy mind, body and spirit amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Harrisburg, PA - October 5, 2020 -The Pennsylvania Department of Aging today reminded consumers that the annual open enrollment period for Medicare beneficiaries will begin Thursday, October 15, 2020, and end Monday, December 7, 2020. Any new coverage selected takes effect January 1, 2021.

Harrisburg, PA - July 21, 2020 - More than 200 people participated in the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Virtual Community Conversation to discuss the department's State Plan on Aging for 2020-2024 and to provide feedback on strengthening aging services throughout the commonwealth.