Area Agency on Aging to Host Five Community Events Celebrating Older Americans Month

Area Agency of Aging of East Texas • April 29, 2022

Throughout May, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas (AAA) is joining organizations across the nation to celebrate the seniors in our communities for Older Americans Month (OAM). The AAA will host five celebration events across East Texas at area senior centers and community centers focusing on aging in place – how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible.


OAM is a national initiative led by the Administration for Community Living. This year's theme focuses on empowering older adults on how planning, participation, accessibility, and making connections all play a role in aging in place – emphasizing that what each person needs and prefers is unique.


"Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no 'right' way. That's why the theme for Older Americans Month 2022 is Age My Way. We hope you join us at one of our community events. Come learn how you can engage with friends, family, and through community activities to enrich your health and well-being!" said ETCOG's Director of the AAA, Colleen Halliburton.


The following OAM celebration events are open to the public and will include food, fun, door prizes, and information on services available to East Texas seniors:


  • May 13th at the Gilmer Area Senior Center, located at 206 Silver Alley in Gilmer, at 12:00 PM
  • May 19th at the Tyler Senior Center, located at 1915 Garden Valley Road in Tyler, from 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
  • May 20th at the Henderson Community Center, located at 302 Fair Park Avenue in Henderson, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  • May 24th at the Henderson County Senior Center, located at 3344 State Hwy. 31 E. in Athens, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
  • · May 24th at the Gregg County Extension Office, located at 405 East Marshall Avenue in Longview, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM


The AAA serves as the region's leader in advocating and providing various services, such as information and referral, benefits counseling, case management, health education classes, senior nutrition, housing repair, and support through the Ombudsman program for people in nursing and assisted living facilities. These services help older individuals live independent, meaningful, and dignified lives in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Contact the AAA for questions about the events by calling (903) 218-6500.

People raising hands in a bright community hall with colorful tablecloths and folding chairs

Marshall-Harrison County Health District to Host “Navigating Aging” Class

By Marshall - Harrison County Health Department • July 13, 2026
The Marshall-Harrison County Health District invites community members to attend the next Building Healthy Futures class, Navigating Aging, on Thursday, July 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Harrison County AgriLife Extension Office (2005 Warren Drive, Marshall, Texas). Presented by the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas, this free educational class is designed to introduce older adults, caregivers, and family members to valuable programs and resources that support healthy, independent living. Participants will learn about the Area Agency on Aging's evidence-based intervention programs, which are designed to promote wellness, prevent falls, manage chronic health conditions, and improve overall quality of life. Attendees will also enjoy a nutritious snack provided during the class. In addition to the presentation, the Area Agency on Aging will conduct a brief community survey to gather input on the types of aging-related classes and services residents would like to see offered in Marshall and Harrison County. Community feedback will help shape future educational opportunities to better meet local needs. "Building Healthy Futures is about connecting our community with trusted resources that support health and well-being at every stage of life," said Jennifer Hancock, Executive Director of the Marshall-Harrison County Health District. "We're excited to partner with the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas to learn more about the classes and services they offer." The class is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended by visiting mhchd.org or by contacting the Marshall-Harrison County Health District at 903-938-8338.

Older Americans Month Celebrated Across East Texas

By Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 3, 2026
Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month, and this year’s theme was “Champion Your Health.” In recognition of the month, the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas hosted three community events in Jacksonville, Marshall, and Athens, bringing together older adults, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and community partners to celebrate healthy aging and support older adults’ independence. More than 420 people attended the three events, where they received information and heard from experts on senior services, exercise programs, fraud and scams, and ways to take an active role in managing their health. Activities included on-site health screenings, evidence-based activity demonstrations, a Dementia Live demonstration, and the TxDOT Car Fit Program for Seniors. At some events, local officials also read proclamations recognizing May as Older Americans Month, including Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis, who presented the proclamation in Jacksonville. “We encourage older East Texans and their caregivers to connect with our agency to learn more about the resources and services available to help them live independently and remain active in their communities,” said Adrian Cornejo, ETCOG’s Director of the Area Agency on Aging. Special thanks to all event partners, sponsors, volunteers, AAA staff, and participants who helped make these Older Americans Month events a success!
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