Council proclaims National Senior Citizens Day, highlights county age-friendly efforts

Council President Natalie Fani Gonzales and Councilmember Laurie Ann Sales presented a proclamation recognizing National Senior Citizens Day and invited community leaders to speak about supports for older adults.

Dr. Patrice McGee, director of Aging and Disability Services, told the council that "Residents age 60 and older will make up 25% of Montgomery County's population by 2030 and 27% by 2040," and urged expanded planning for transportation, housing, long-term care advocacy and social connection programs. Wyanna Dixon, program manager for the African American Health Program, described three toolkits the program has published to help caregivers and people living with dementia and said the materials are available online.

Wayne Berman, co-chair of the Commission on Aging, outlined advocacy priorities including equitable transportation, accessible housing, nutrition programs and universal design. An AARP senior associate state director (introduced on the record) praised Montgomery Countys age-friendly initiatives and commended the countys multi-sector approach to healthy aging.

The county provided a resource number for Aging and Disability Services: (240) 777-3000. The proclamation was presented on Sept. 22, 2026, and the council recessed afterward to continue its agenda.