P4A – Content Series: Living as an Older Adult in Pennsylvania: Carolyn Capozza
This article is part of an ongoing series for caregivers of older adults in Pennsylvania, designed to help you access resources, support services, and community connections to enhance your caregiving experience. This series was created and written by Pennsylvania Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) network.
Carolyn, a 78 year old from Ronco, Pennsylvania, began her journey at the Masontown Senior Center, where she visits three times a week to partake in bingo, hot meals, and other social activities. While there, she observed firsthand the challenges faced by older adults and the critical role Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) play in addressing those challenges. This experience fueled her desire to become an active advocate and contribute to meaningful change.
For a quarter of a century, Carolyn has served on the Southwestern Pennsylvania AAA Advisory Council lending her expertise to crucial committees such as budget and legislation, nutrition, healthcare, and long-term care.
Addressing Funding Challenges
Carolyn has been a vocal advocate for increased funding for AAAs, particularly in southwestern Pennsylvania, where budgets have remained inadequate for years. She has actively engaged with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to raise awareness about the funding challenges facing these vital organizations. “Right now, we’re having a big issue with the fact that our budget was cut. I have talked to my congressman, our senators, and our county commissioners trying to raise awareness,” she explains.
The Vital Role of Area Agencies on Aging
Carolyn firmly believes in the irreplaceable role AAAs play in connecting older adults with essential information and support. She emphasizes that AAAs provide services that are often unavailable through other channels, acting as advocates for older adults and ensuring they have access to the resources they need to thrive. “AAAs are valuable because they give older adults information they ordinarily wouldn’t get from newspapers or other resources. AAAs serve as advocates for older adults. That’s what I do, I’m an advocate.”
A Model for Active Aging
Carolyn Capozza’s story serves as an inspiration for all Pennsylvanians to become actively involved in supporting their communities. Her dedication to serving on multiple councils and committees, including Senior Action Council (SAC) and Fayette Advisory Council on Aging (FACA), highlights the importance of civic engagement in addressing the challenges facing older adults.
Carolyn’s unwavering commitment to older adult advocacy sends a clear message of the value of getting involved.
To learn how you can get involved or learn more about your local AAA, visit p4a.org for more information on the services AAAs provide, and to find your local AAA.
