HERSHEY, PA — Pennsylvania health officials used Older Americans Month on Wednesday to spotlight physical activity as a key tool in reducing dementia risk and helping older adults maintain independence, as the state continues to expand investments in aging services and neurodegenerative disease research.
The Pennsylvania Departments of Aging and Health partnered with Penn State Health in Hershey to host a health and wellness event focused on the connection between exercise, healthy aging, and cognitive health. The event featured a SilverSneakers fitness demonstration and a tour of fitness and wellness facilities.
The effort comes as Pennsylvania faces growing demographic and public health challenges. More than 280,000 Pennsylvanians age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Department of Aging, while research increasingly points to lifestyle interventions as a way to delay or reduce dementia risk.
State officials cited findings from the Lancet Commission estimating that nearly 45% of dementia cases worldwide could potentially be delayed or prevented by addressing factors such as physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking, social isolation, hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
“Physical activity is one of the most effective tools we have to preserve our independence, improve overall well-being, and support our brain health,” Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich said during the event.
The event also highlighted broader state initiatives aimed at supporting healthy aging. Pennsylvania’s Aging Our Way, PA strategy serves as the Commonwealth’s 10-year plan for strengthening aging services, while the Department of Health’s State Health Improvement Plan focuses on chronic disease prevention, health equity, and community health outcomes.
The focus on prevention coincides with state investments in neurological disease research. Gov. Josh Shapiro secured $5 million in the 2025-26 state budget for research into Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and related neurodegenerative conditions. His proposed 2026-27 budget includes an additional $5 million, which would bring the two-year total to $10 million if approved by lawmakers.
Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said emerging research also points to additional preventive measures, including vaccination.
“What is good for your heart is also good for your head,” Bogen said. “Everyday choices like diet, physical activity, and routine vaccinations matter so much as we get older.”
According to the Department of Health, recent research indicates that shingles vaccination may reduce the risk of developing dementia by at least 20% and may help slow cognitive decline among older adults already experiencing symptoms.
State officials also used the event to promote health and wellness programs available through Pennsylvania’s network of 52 Area Agencies on Aging. Those programs include diabetes self-management workshops, falls prevention classes, and cardiovascular health education designed to help older adults remain in their homes and communities longer.
Penn State Health officials said health systems play an important role in supporting the state’s aging population through geriatric medicine, chronic disease management, and early identification of cognitive decline.
“Healthy aging requires a proactive, multidisciplinary approach that addresses both physical health and cognitive function,” said Dr. Nicole Osevala, chief of Penn State Health’s Division of Geriatric Medicine.
Additional information about aging services, fitness programs, caregiver resources, and local senior community centers is available at https://www.pa.gov/aging.
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