DUNKIRK, N.Y. — Mary Ann Spanos has led Chautauqua County's Office for Aging Services for 17 years, following work as a physical therapist doing geriatric rehab.

She says while the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge, she's most proud pulling the homecare program in house and New York Connects, a resource of available programs and services.

What You Need To Know

  •  May was Older Americans Month

  •  Office for the Aging leaders across the state honoring older adults

  • Chautauqua County held a lunch and wellness fair in Dunkirk honoring more than 100 older adults

"This was an opportunity to really make an impact on our community, the community of older adults and with the mission of keeping them at home, as long as possible and living their best life," said Spanos.

After almost two decades, and recently turning 60, she is retiring later this summer to spend more time with her family, but still plans to stay connected to the community and office.

"It's great to come in and work with a group of people that all have the same heart for helping older adults," said Spanos.

That heart was on display recently as more than 150 older adults took part in the office's annual spring social, complete with a health and wellness fair, allowing older adults to interact with the vendors and each other.

"Pulling people out of isolation, getting them out and mobile, and socializing and connected. We want to connect people to, the older adults in this community, to the resources available to them to help them age well, in place, in their homes," said Carey Skelton, nutrition and wellness coordinator with Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services.

Part of the event also gave Spanos the chance to reflect on her tenure with the community she serves.

"I've really been blessed with being able to fill this role and meet so many people and make so many friends from across the county," Spanos said.

Back in her office, there are accolades from the New York State Senate and Assembly for the woman who also served as a board member and president of USAging. They're highlights of a career that she hopes led the office in the right direction and made a positive impact on the community's older population.

"So, I hope that they will reflect and say that I did that for them, that I really tried to listen to what their needs were and meet those needs," said Spanos.

Older Americans Month was created in 1963, then known as Senior Citizens Month, following a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens.