QUEENS, NY – Queens elected officials, community leaders, senior centers and local organizations came together to officially launch the 24th Annual Senior Appreciation Month, continuing a longstanding tradition dedicated to celebrating older adults and connecting them with opportunities for wellness, recreation, education and community engagement throughout the month.

The annual kickoff was held on October 2nd at 10:00 AM at the Roy Wilkins Recreation Center Gymnasium, 177-01 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica, NY. Bringing together partners from across Queens to recognize the generations of older adults whose leadership, service and contributions have helped shape the borough.

Senior Appreciation Month features a diverse calendar of events designed specifically for older adults, including wellness experiences, educational programs, recreational activities, luncheons, entertainment and opportunities to connect with important community resources. What began in 2002 as a one-week celebration has grown into a month-long tradition bringing together elected officials at the city, state and federal levels alongside senior centers, community-based organizations and neighborhood partners.

Now entering its 24th year, the initiative continues to evolve with the needs and interests of Queens’ older adults. Beyond celebrating the contributions seniors have made throughout their lives, Senior Appreciation Month creates opportunities for older adults to remain active, informed, connected and engaged in the communities they helped build.

For more than two decades, thousands of seniors have participated in programs across Queens through this collaborative effort. The continued growth of Senior Appreciation Month reflects a shared commitment among participating offices and community partners to ensure older adults are recognized, supported and celebrated throughout October and beyond.

Congresswoman Grace Meng stated: “I am thrilled to once again commemorate Senior Appreciation Month to underscore the many contributions and accomplishments of our local seniors, and highlight the continuing need to ensure that older adults have the resources they require,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). “We must never forget about our seniors. We must always be there for them, and I’m proud to have passed laws and funding that helps improve quality of life for older adults all across our borough. I would also like to once again recognize my 102-year-old grandmother - the first in my family to come to America - who still inspires me as a tremendous mentor and role model. In Congress, I will keep up the fight for our seniors, and advocating on their behalf will remain to be a top priority of mine. Let’s be sure to pay tribute to them throughout the month, and throughout the year.” 

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. stated: "The seniors in our lives and in our communities deserve huge credit for building Queens into such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. They deserve to age with dignity and grace right in their own neighborhoods, and to have their many contributions be properly recognized and acknowledged,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “That's why I look forward to showing our gratitude to our borough's seniors during all the exciting events that will take place during this year's edition of Senior Appreciation Month. I encourage as many of our borough's seniors as possible to take full advantage of these great events, and to accept our appreciation for their lifetimes of hard work and dedication to Queens."

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated: “Seniors are the pillars of our neighborhoods, guiding us and sharing their knowledge. They are the eyes, ears and heartbeat of our community and deserve recognition during Senior Appreciation Month. They also deserve to feel safe in their golden years. My office works tirelessly to protect older adults by educating seniors on how to avoid becoming victimized by scams and fraud, and by prosecuting those who cause harm. “ 

Senator Leroy Comrie stated: “Senior Appreciation Month is about more than setting aside time to say thank you. It is about creating spaces where our older adults can come together, enjoy themselves, access important resources and know that their voices and experiences continue to matter. For more than two decades, this tradition has grown because of the commitment of our seniors, community partners and colleagues in government who return year after year to make it meaningful. I am grateful to continue this tradition and I look forward to another month filled with fellowship, wellness, learning and most importantly, joy for our seniors.” 

State Senator James Sanders Jr. stated: "Our seniors are the foundation of our communities. Their wisdom, resilience, and lifelong contributions have helped shape the neighborhoods we call home. During Senior Appreciation Month, we celebrate and honor older adults across Queens, while reaffirming our commitment to ensuring they have access to the resources, programs, and support they deserve. I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing our seniors and thanking them for the lasting impact they continue to make each and every day."

Assemblymember Clyde Vanel stated: “Senior Appreciation Month is our valued tradition to honor the generations who helped shape Southeast Queens into the thriving community we have today. Our seniors are our mentors, advocates, and keepers of our history and without them that would not continue. Let us continue to ensure they are valued, supported, and celebrated.” 

Assemblymember Sam Berger stated: "Senior Appreciation Month is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the seniors who are such an important part of our community,”  said Assemblyman Sam Berger. “They have given so much to their families, neighborhoods, and to our city, and they deserve to feel appreciated and valued. I look forward to expressing our gratitude during our Senior Appreciation Day on October 13th at 1pm at the Pomonok Senior Center, featuring special performances by the Townsend Harris High School Jazz Band and String Quartet."

Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson stated: “Each year, Older Adult Appreciation Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the older adults who have contributed so much to our communities and continue to enrich our neighborhoods. My office is excited to host two special events this year, A Day at the Met and a movie afternoon with the Rockaway Film Festival featuring The Sound of Music. I also wanted to ensure that residents from across the entire 31st Assembly District could participate in this year's programming. I hope you will join us as we celebrate and honor our older adults throughout the month.”

Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman stated: “Seniors are the backbone of every community,” said Assemblywoman Alicia L. Hyndman. “They impart their wisdom to younger generations, serve their neighborhoods by volunteering, and sometimes even step up as childcare or as parents for their grandchildren of struggling moms and dads. This 24th Annual Senior Appreciation Month is about celebrating them and providing resources and activities so they can enjoy their golden years. They deserve to be recognized and appreciated, too.” 

Assemblywoman Larinda C. Hooks stated: "Before coming to the State Assembly, I had the privilege of working directly with older adults and leading older adult centers right here in Assembly District 35. That experience shaped the way I serve today because I saw firsthand what our seniors need, what they contribute, and how important it is for them to have spaces where they can stay active, connected, and heard. Older Adult Appreciation Month is personal to me. These are the same neighbors who helped build the communities I now represent, and I will continue fighting to make sure they can age with dignity, opportunity, and a strong voice in the decisions that affect their lives.”

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams stated: “Senior Appreciation Month is one of my favorite traditions in Southeast Queens because it gives us an entire month to celebrate our seniors in ways that are fun, engaging and centered on them,” said Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams. “Our seniors are the backbone of so many of our families and neighborhoods. They have built institutions, led our communities, cared for generations, and helped make Southeast Queens what it is today. They deserve opportunities to stay active, connected and, yes, show off a little too. I’m excited to once again host our Senior Talent Show and see the incredible talent our seniors bring to the stage. Thank you to Senator Comrie and all of my colleagues and community partners for keeping this tradition going for 24 years.”

Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers stated: "Senior Appreciation Month reminds us that our older adults are not only the foundation of Southeast Queens, but also some of our most active and engaged residents," said New York City Councilwoman Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "They built our neighborhoods, raised families, and still show up across our community every day. That's why my office continues to invest in the older adult centers and programs across our district, from arts and cultural programming to wellness and recreation. I'm proud to stand alongside my colleagues in showing our commitment and respect for our seniors, who remain the lifeblood of our community." 

Council Member Linda Lee stated: “Older adults have built the foundation for our communities through their wisdom and leadership, and we are happy to show our gratitude during Senior Appreciation Month. Our seniors’ guidance and sacrifice have shaped the thriving neighborhoods we know today. I look forward to joining my Queens colleagues in celebrating Senior Appreciation Month to honor and uplift our older adults, and I thank Senator Comrie and his team for leading this celebration year after year.” 

Council Speaker Ty Hankerson stated: “Another year, another chance to celebrate those who have not just labored among us, but labored for us. Our seniors helped get us to where we are today, and we owe them more than a thank you. Senior Appreciation Month is our chance to celebrate them with the love and respect they have earned.”

2026 SENIOR APPRECIATION MONTH HIGHLIGHTS

This year’s Senior Appreciation Month calendar will offer older adults opportunities to connect, learn, move, celebrate and enjoy new experiences throughout Queens. Additional events and programming will be announced throughout Senior Appreciation Month. Participants should contact the individual sponsoring office for registration requirements, availability and event updates. Downloadable flyers for events can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD4DeC

                                                                                                          ###