By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
State statistics show that one quarter of Wood County’s residents are now 60 years or older. That represents a shift in the population profile, and a growing need for services that offer support for seniors so they can remain independent, healthy and connected.
To provide those services, the Wood County Committee on Aging is asking voters to support a renewal levy of 1-mill, lasting five years.
“It’s an investment in supporting those older adults who supported us,” said WCCOA Executive Director Alisha Nenadovich. “It provides support systems to allow them to remain in their homes.”
The WCCOA, with its eight senior centers spread throughout the county, uses the property tax revenues to provide home-delivered meals, transportation to essential services, and programs to combat isolation for seniors aging at home.
Nenadovich explained the levy, which makes up 75% of the agency’s operating budget, is vital to the continuation of those services.
“It ensures that older adults in Wood County can continue to live safely and with dignity in their own homes and communities,” she said.
In addition to nutritional meals and transportation, the WCCOA offers seniors opportunities to keep their bodies moving and their minds sharp – through classes on yoga and dance, to programs on current events and cribbage.
“The need for our services is expected to grow. Wood County is experiencing an increase in the number of residents aged 60 and older, consistent with broader aging trends,” Nenadovich said. “As this population expands, so too does the demand for nutrition services, transportation, benefits assistance and social support.”
“We must be prepared not only to meet current demand, but to scale services to address this continued growth,” she said.
Statewide aging research confirms that by 2025-2030, more than one in four Ohioans – or 2.9 million people – will be age 60 and older, reflecting a significant shift in the population profile across Ohio counties.
Projections from the Scripps Gerontology Center and the Ohio Department of Development indicate sustained increases in the share of older adults, especially those 85 and older.
Renewal of the levy will allow the WCCOA to:
- Maintain and enhance meal programs that support health and independence.
- Provide access to transportation for medical appointments and essential services.
- Offer critical information, referrals and benefits assistance.
- Expand outreach to underserved areas, particularly in southern Wood County.
- Strengthen programming that combats isolation and supports overall well-being.
“The Wood County Committee on Aging continues to serve as a vital resource for older adults across our community, helping them remain independent, healthy and connected,” Nenadovich said.
Last year, the WCCOA served an average of 847 meals per day through the home-delivered meal program and in-person meals at each senior center. That added up to a total of 210,000 meals in 2025.
Last fall, a survey of seniors receiving meals at home showed most of the clients strongly agreed that the meals enable them to continue living independently in their own homes.
“This speaks directly to our mission of supporting aging in place,” Nenadovich said.
The WCCOA makes use of volunteers to provide many services. In 2025, a total of 233 volunteers contributed more than 13,000 hours of service. The home-delivered meal volunteers act as the eyes and ears of the agency to make sure seniors are safe at home.
Last year, the WCCOA provided:
- 1,805 information and referral services completed.
- 728 home-delivered meal assessments conducted.
- 243 Medicare consultations provided.
- 2,102 one-way medical transportation rides were provided, with at least the same number requested but couldn’t be fulfilled due to staffing.
“These numbers reflect both the demand for services and the essential role WCCOA plays in meeting those needs,” Nenadovich said.
