Senior adults are taking over.

That’s the message that Irene Collins, Alabama Department of Senior Services commissioner, delivered to a responsive, packed house at the Grand Reopening and Open House at the Colley Senior Complex Wednesday morning.

“Beginning January of this year, every day for the next 20 years 10,000 people will turn 65 years of age,” Collins said. “There will be more of us than there are of them.”

The standing room only crowd responded with applause and then listened with obvious pride as Collins expressed appreciation to them for their many and varied services to the community.

Collins said that senior adults demonstrate that through hard work and dedication, it is possible to find success in life and the experience the joy of living.

“Senior centers are the life blood of a community,” Collins said. “You are making great strides in all that you are doing here at the Colley Senior Complex. I can’t think of a better way to end my career than to serve senior citizens.”

Collins applauded the Alabama Legislature’s support of senior programs by increasing the ADSS budget and providing for more services and innovative programs.

Sen. Wendell Mitchell praised the senior adults for their continued willingness to share their talents and wisdom with the community.

As he spoke of his recent illness, many seniors acknowledge their own battles with illnesses.

“But God is good and I count every day a blessing,” Mitchell said. “And, I am proud to be able to do what I can for the senior adults here and all across the state.”

He received applause when he mentioned that the SenioRx Program has saved seniors $200 million in prescription drug costs.

The event also kicked off National Senior Center Month. Proclamations designating the month of September as Senior Citizen Month in Troy and Pike County were presented by Commissioner Collins, Troy City Councilman Jason Reeves and Pike County Probate Judge Wes Allen.

Jason Reeves spoke on behalf of Mayor Jimmy Lunsford and said that the Colley Senior Complex is making a difference in the lives of the Troy area’s senior adults.

“The Colley Senior Complex is making a difference in the quality of life of our senior adults while enhancing their wellness, creativity and independence,” he said.

Allen said the Colley Senior Complex has been a “treasure” to Pike County since 1997.

“The Colley Senior Complex is synonymous with class and quality and a model for other seniors centers cross the state,” he said.

Janet Motes, center director, expressed appreciation to all of those who were a part of the reopening ceremony and activities.

She then spoke directly to the seniors who are part of the everyday activities and programs at the center.

“Being a part of the Colley Senior Complex has been an honor and a privilege. I thank you all for allowing me to be a part of your lives,” Motes said.

The Grand Reopening and Open House celebrated the recent renovations to the Colley Senior Complex and provided an opportunity for visitors to tour the building and learn more about the 125 activities and programs available to senior adults at the Complex.