By Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck
If you are an older adult like me and enjoy connecting with others, Older Americans Month (OAM) and our Senior Safety Summit are for YOU! OAM is celebrated every May as a time to honor the contributions of older adults and address the issues impacting them. This year’s theme in the County for OAM is “Powered by Connection.” Social connections are incredibly important to our health and overall well-being, serving to enrich our lives and create a sense of belonging.
A great way to celebrate the power of “connection” for OAM and meet up with your neighbors is to join me and Neighborhood and Community Services on Wednesday, May 15, from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., for the 6th Annual Senior Safety Summit at the Lorton Community Center. From 10 – 11:30 a.m. enjoy the popular exhibit hall with many County agencies and local organizations featuring information especially for our senior community. COVID, pneumonia, RSV and shingles vaccines will be available for residents to get immunized. Following the exhibit hall enjoy a free boxed lunch provided by Retirement Unlimited Inc., in coordination with the Paul Spring Retirement Community. Food will be available on a first come first served basis. Beginning at noon join us for raffle prizes and four presentations by AARP, Department of Family Services, Fire and Rescue and KEG Consulting LLC, featuring driver safety.
The County has many services and resources available for our senior community to assist in everything from aging in place, to classes at the Rec Centers, even health and wellness workshops. The Department of Family Services, Adult and Aging division is a great County resource that supports older residents, family caregivers and people with disabilities to help individuals live safe, healthy and fulfilling lives. Neighborhood and Community Services has 15 senior centers located throughout the County that serve adults 50 and over. Here in the District we have the Gum Springs, Lorton, Kingstowne and Hollin Hall Senior Centers. The Park Authority also offers countless opportunities to form new connections with others that share your interests! Go birding or hiking; channel your creative side with various crafts, painting or even quilting; treat yourself by enjoying afternoon tea; try out dog training or obedience classes; or go on nature walks or garden tours. For other ways to stay connected, subscribe to the Golden Gazette which is a free monthly newsletter with a variety of topics and community news for older adults and caregivers.