From Community Dialogue to Action: "Cheers to the Golden Years" Fair Supports Healthy Aging in Schuylkill County
At the Penn State CTSI, we believe that the most effective health interventions begin by listening to the communities we serve. Recently, this philosophy was brought to life in Schuylkill County through a highly successful Healthy Aging Fair, an event that perfectly illustrates the power of community-engaged research and collaboration.
The fair, which aimed to increase awareness of vital services available to Schuylkill County residents who are retired or entering retirement, did not happen by chance. It was the direct outcome of a dedicated community-academic partnership sparked by a recent Community-Driven Research Day.
The Catalyst: Community-Driven Research Day
Community-Driven Research Days bring together community members, local organizations, and academic researchers to openly discuss pressing local health needs and brainstorm collaborative solutions. Rather than isolated engagements, CDRDs foster sustained collaboration, creating pathways for pilot funding, grant development, and long‑term partnerships.
During the Schuylkill County event, a clear priority emerged: the need to better support the region's aging population as they navigate the transition into retirement. Recognizing this critical gap, a group of passionate community stakeholders and researchers formed the Schuylkill Healthy Aging Task Force.
Turning Ideas into Reality with CTSI Pilot Funding
Identifying a need is only the first step; taking action requires resources and support. To ensure the momentum from the Community-Driven Research Day translated into tangible community benefits, Penn State CTSI made pilot funds available to support community-led programs designed by the newly established task forces.
The Schuylkill Healthy Aging Task Force submitted a compelling proposal titled "Cheers to the Golden Years 2026." Recognizing the potential impact of their initiative, the CTSI leadership team proudly awarded the task force a $2,500 pilot grant to bring their vision to life.
"Cheers to the Golden Years": Connecting Residents with Resources
Fueled by the CTSI grant, the task force successfully organized and hosted the Healthy Aging Fair. The event served as a vibrant hub of information, connecting older adults and soon-to-be retirees with a wide array of local services tailored to their unique needs.
Navigating the resources available for healthcare, social engagement, and daily living can be overwhelming for those entering their golden years. The fair broke down these barriers, providing a centralized, accessible, and welcoming environment for residents to learn, ask questions, and build a support network.
Jess Petrie, CTSI Education Specialist, and , a Food, Families, and Communities Educator from Penn State Extension, co-led the event's planning and execution. Reflecting on the significance of the initiative, Petrie shared:
The success of the "Cheers to the Golden Years" fair represents the core mission of Penn State CTSI: translating scientific discovery and academic resources into real-world health improvements. By providing the platform for dialogue (Community-Driven Research Day) and the resources for action (pilot funding), CTSI empowers communities to lead the charge in improving their own health outcomes.
We congratulate the entire Schuylkill Healthy Aging Task Force on a remarkable event. Their work stands as a shining example of how collaborative, community-driven initiatives can make a profound difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians.