Ulster County Office for Aging Supports Independence for Seniors Across the Region

From hot meals to fitness classes, comprehensive services help older adults live with dignity and purpose

Rep Manager AI

Aug 29, 2026

For Ulster County residents aged 60 and older, the Office for Aging serves as a lifeline—offering the services and support needed to maintain independence while staying connected to the community. Based in Kingston, the office coordinates a wide range of programs designed to help seniors age in place with dignity.

Meals and Nutrition

One of the most critical services is the Senior Café program, which provides nutritious hot meals to eligible seniors. In Kingston, meals are served Mondays and Wednesdays at noon at the Ulster County Senior Hub, located at 5 Development Court. The program ensures that older adults have access to balanced meals while also providing a social gathering space where they can connect with peers.

Fitness and Recreation

Physical health is a major focus. The office offers fitness and recreation programs tailored to seniors' needs, including chess classes held Mondays at 11 AM at the Senior Hub. These activities promote both mental acuity and physical well-being, helping seniors maintain mobility and cognitive function.

Transportation and Medical Support

Getting to medical appointments can be challenging for seniors who no longer drive. The Office for Aging coordinates medical transportation services, ensuring that older adults can access healthcare without depending on family members or expensive private services.

Social Events and Community Connection

Isolation is a significant health risk for older adults. The office combats this through social events, community gatherings, and partnerships with organizations like Jewish Family Services and Cornell Cooperative Extension. These connections help seniors remain engaged and mentally stimulated.

How to Access Services

Residents can contact the Ulster County Office for Aging at (845) 340-3170 or visit UlsterCountyNY.gov/Departments/Aging for a complete list of services and eligibility requirements.

6 Comments

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TG
Tom G.· Sep 2, 1:17 PM
Good to see Jewish Family Services mentioned as a partner. They do solid work in this county and it makes sense to have them involved. More organizations should be plugging into these kinds of programs instead of everyone working in silos.
- DR
  Diane R.· Sep 3, 11:24 PM
  Tom G.Totally agree about the silos thing. Cornell Cooperative Extension is another good one they mentioned. Those two organizations alone bring a lot of reach into communities that might not otherwise hear about these services. Would be great to see more local nonprofits join in.
PV
Pete Valenti· Aug 29, 8:35 AM
The transportation piece is huge and does not get enough attention. My neighbor had to give up driving last year and getting to his cardiologist was becoming a real problem. Did not even know this service existed until now. Sharing this with him today.
DK
Dave Kowalski· Aug 21, 1:33 AM
Chess on Monday mornings is a nice touch but I wish they had more days for the cafe meals. Two days a week is not a lot if someone is relying on that as a main hot meal. Worth asking them about expanding that.
RM
Roberta M.· Aug 19, 8:24 PM
My mom has been using the medical transportation service for about a year now and honestly it has been a game changer. She was missing appointments because none of us could always take time off work to drive her. Really glad they put this in the article because a lot of families don't even know this exists.
- D
  DaveKingston61· Aug 20, 10:16 PM
  Roberta M.Same situation with my dad. We had no idea this service existed until his doctor's office mentioned it. Feels like it should be advertised way more than it is. Glad your mom is getting to her appointments now.