Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER
Patti Finkle and Butch Graybill carry the torch to kick off the Area Agency on Aging’s annual Senior Games during the opening ceremony on Monday. Also pictured is Beth Harlan, the senior community services supervisor for the Mifflin-Juniata Regional Services Corp. – The Care Network.

LEWISTOWN — “Senior” can mean a lot of different things, depending on who you ask. At the annual Senior Games, held by the Area Agency on Aging under the Mifflin Juniata Regional Services Corp.–The Care Network, it means something active.

It means showing up, staying involved and trying something new — whether that’s bowling, pickleball or even learning how to solve a Rubik’s Cube.

Open to residents ages 55 and older, the weeklong event has steadily grown into a fixture across Mifflin and Juniata counties. What started with around 100 participants has nearly doubled over time.

“When we first started, we had around 100 participants,” said organizer Beth Harlan. “This year, that number is around 200.”

That growth comes as the program marked a milestone year — celebrating its 40th anniversary.

The 2026 games officially got underway Monday morning at the Body and Soul Community Center in Strodes Mills, where an opening ceremony brought together participants, organizers and local officials. Among those in attendance were Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish, Juniata County Commissioners Alice Gray and Mark Partner, John Brennaman representing Sen. Judy Ward’s office, Morgan Hoover from Rep. David Rowe’s office, and Emily Price from Rep. Kerry Benninghoff’s office.

For Harlan, the moment carried significance beyond the start of another week of activities.

She spoke about the importance of sustaining an event that was built with a simple goal in mind — giving area seniors a place to stay active, connect with others, and enjoy themselves.

The opening day reflected that purpose. After the ceremonial torch lighting, participants moved into a full slate of activities that included bingo, a health fair, and outdoor field games. Breakfast and lunch were provided, and with McVeytown EMS on standby, organizers made sure the environment remained both welcoming and safe.

From there, the schedule spreads out across the region, with events hosted at multiple locations throughout the week.

On Tuesday, participants rotated through activities that included Hand and Foot at the Four Seasons Center in Mifflin, Pinochle at the Lewistown Senior Community Center, and both traditional and Wii bowling at Lewistown Lanes and other locations.

Wednesday’s lineup adds a mix of competition and creativity, including pickleball, shuffle puck, a puzzle challenge, and a Rubik’s Cube challenge, along with a paint party led by Paint Parties by Judy.

By Thursday, events shift to the Juniata Valley YMCA in Burnham, where seniors take part in basketball, table tennis, chair volleyball, cornhole, and Wii bowling — a mix that highlights both physical activity and accessibility.

Friday rounds out the week with additional painting sessions and a variety of games, including darts, a swimming challenge, water volleyball and Five Crowns.

Swimming, in particular, stands out this year as a new addition to the schedule — one of several adjustments organizers continue to make as they look to keep the event fresh and engaging.

Participants are divided into standard age groups — 55-69, 70-79 and 80-plus — ensuring that competition remains balanced while still encouraging friendly interaction across all levels.

But while the structure of the games matters, the emphasis isn’t strictly on winning. The event is designed first as a way to bring people together.

Across every venue — from bowling alleys to community centers — there’s a shared understanding that participation is the goal. Some come for competition. Others come for conversation. Many return year after year because the routine has become part of their summer.

Registration for the games typically opens in early May, giving residents time to choose which activities they want to participate in and plan their week. By the time June arrives, the schedule is set — and for many, the anticipation is as much about the social aspect as the events themselves.

What began four decades ago as a relatively small gathering has developed into something woven into the community calendar, connecting two counties through a shared experience.

And even after 40 years, the idea behind it hasn’t changed much.

It’s still about getting out. Still about staying active. And still about making sure “senior” doesn’t mean sitting still.