Dutchess County Office for the Aging

As we turn the calendar page to June, with the summer solstice just three weeks away, this anonymous quote makes a good point – one that's applicable to not just summer, but every day of the year. Make each day count because you don't get another chance at today. Have a hobby or something that brings you joy? Make time today and every day to enjoy the things that make you smile. How's that for a Motivational Monday? 😀

Looking for ways to make the most of every day? Check out what our 8 Friendship Centers throughout Dutchess County have to offer. There's one near you, and you can find out info about them all at: dutchessny.gov/friendshipcenters

Today we shine a light on grandparents. If you have grandchildren, do not underestimate the effect you are having on their lives. As this post from the "Living Your Senior Life" blog tells us, the love you show helps your grandchildren grow, and the games you play with them keep you young. We invite you to share this post with a grandparent you love, and follow our page for more tips for Successful Aging.

Why Grandparents Are Important to Family Life Discover why grandparents are important to family life—their love, wisdom, and emotional support shape generations.

The May 25th issue of Aging News is all about SCAMS! We are excited to share the new tool, SilverShield, for on demand scam prevention and support. Individuals can report suspicious text messages, calls, or emails directly through their phone or email. The system then provides step by step guidance on what to do — and what not to do — helping users avoid common pitfalls. Read the full Aging News here:https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Aging/Docs/OFA-Aging-News-May-25-2026.pdf

We still have a few spots available for the SilverShield orientation event. Financial exploitation of older adults is all too common, but SilverShield helps you spot scams and protect yourself. Best of all, it's available 24/7. This presentation falls on Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the perfect time to protect yourself from scams. Call us at 845-486-2555 to register today.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) may be able to help pay your out-of-pocket Medicare Part A and Part B costs like premiums and deductibles. Income eligibility applies. If your income is at or below these levels ($2,494 for single individuals or $3,375 for couples), our Community Benefits Specialists can help you apply.

MSP approval also gets you “Extra Help” to help you with your Part D prescription costs. Call us today at 845-486-2555 to get started.

We were delighted to welcome more than 300 older adults to the first picnic of our 2026 Summer Picnic Series, held today at Thomas J. Boyce Park in Wingdale. Guests enjoyed a delicious, nutritious lunch, lively music, and plenty of time to connect with local leaders and friendly faces from County departments.

Wondering when we're bringing our Summer Picnic Series to your hometown? Check out the full 2026 schedule: dutchessny.gov/ofapicnics

Three of our very own Dutchess County OFA volunteers were honored yesterday at the New York State Office for the Aging Older Americans Day celebration! We could not do the work we do without their help! This year's honorees were Grace and Michael Martin and George Popp. Thank you to everyone who volunteers for us! We appreciate you soo much!

Dutchess County Government offices, including the Office for the Aging and its Friendship Centers, are closed today in observance of the Memorial Day federal holiday. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 26th.

This NPR article examines the positive effects of participation in art and hot it can help us as we age. Engaging the brain in different ways has huge benefits for people of any age. If you would like to try something new, consider checking out one of our Friendship Centers located all over the county. Find a site near you here: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/Aging/OFA-Senior-Friendship-Centers.htm

Engaging with the arts can slow biological aging, study shows Eat well and exercise. That's the classic advice for living a long, healthy life. A new study suggests another habit to add to the list: Let your creative juices flow.