Rochester’s senior population is projected to increase significantly in 15 years, and the Council on Aging wants those residents to be as independent and comfortable as possible.

“Even though we are twenty percent of the population now, the population projection will be thirty percent by 2030,” Council on Aging Director Sharon Lally said. “So, that’s a lot of seniors.”

The town appropriated the council with approximately $213,000 this year. Lally said grants and in-kind work from other town departments pushed the budget's actual value to $234,029.

Those funds account for one percent of the town’s total budget. Lally said the center provides great value for that amount.

“We’re serving a lot of people for one percent of the whole town’s budget,” Lally said. “I think that’s pretty darn good.”

Lally presented Selectmen with a report of the Senior Center’s budget, services and activities on Monday night.

Last year, 1,243 different people made use of the center. Of those, 959 were older than 65 and the remaining 284 were caregivers and family members, Lally said.

She highlighted programs and services the center offers.

Town seniors have access to a van that will transport them to doctor’s appointments, the grocery store and just about anywhere else they need to go.

An outreach worker is also available to visit seniors and offer services. Lally said the worker's hours were increased slightly compared to last year.

“We provide them with information and resources so [seniors] can live within their home and still be part of the community,” Lally said.

A robust volunteer program has also helped.

One hundred forty four people volunteered time at the center last year. Lally said the state department of Elder Affairs estimated the hours that volunteers worked was worth $223,000.

“We could not possibly do all that we do without our volunteers,” Lally said.