The City of Alexandria Division of Aging and Adult Services celebrates Older Americans Month (OAM) in May. Established in 1963, OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in our communities.
This year’s theme, “Champion Your Health,” focuses on prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as cornerstones of healthy aging. It encourages older adults to take an active role in their health — advocating for themselves, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions that support independence.
This Older Americans Month, communities and individuals alike can take steps to champion health and advance healthy aging. Individuals of any age can take charge of their health by staying up to date on preventive care and screenings, choosing nutritious, minimally processed foods, incorporating regular physical activity, and by practicing daily habits that support mental health. Make a pledge to yourself today to stay healthy, active, and engaged!
Contributed by Pam Austin, Aging and Disability Resource Coordinator
Upcoming Events:
Trualta
Trualta is an online platform designed to help families build skills to manage care at home for their aging loved ones. Improve confidence, reduce stress and prevent burnout by learning care skills. Once you are registered, you have unlimited access to education and support for caregivers.
Date: May 1, 5, and 20
Location: Virtual (must sign up and register online)
Time: Varies
The City of Alexandria invites you to the 10th Anniversary of RecFest! Join us for a free, high-energy event for all ages, hosted by the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities.
Date: May 2
Location: Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.)
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join City of Alexandria in various neighborhoods for a free hot dog or hamburger and to connect with your neighbors and community resources.
Date: May 6, 13, 20, and 28
Locations: Various
Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Excellence in Aging Awards
The Alexandria Commission on Aging (COA), advocates for the needs of older residents in Alexandria. Annually they honor individuals and an organization that has demonstrated superior contributions in advancing issues and projects that favorably affect older Alexandrians. Come support the COA and Mayor Alyia Gaskins in recognizing the winners!
RSVP by May 9 to agingcommission@alexandriava.gov
Date: May 12
Location: Del Pepper Community Resource Center Cage (4850 Mark Center Dr.)
Time: 4:30 p.m.
In honor of Older Americans Month, join RAFT Older Adult Mental Health & Dementia Support as we highlight resources, education, and community partnerships that support independence and healthy aging.
Date: May 13
Location: The Virginian (9229 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, 22031)
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Dementia Friendly Information Session
Learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in our community.
Date: May 13
Location: Virtually (must register online)
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
State-certified counselors from the Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program (VICAP) are providing a Medicare 101 presentation to help new Medicare enrollees understand the basics of Medicare. Medicare is a health insurance plan for people 65 years or older, under age 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with end stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Sign up online at Alexandria Library or by calling 703.746.1703.
Date: May 18
Location: Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen Street)
Time: 5 p.m.
The Successful Aging Committee invites older adults to a morning of resources, workshops, fun, and activity!
RSVP by email at events@seniorservicesalex.org or call 703.836.4414 extension 110.
Date: May 21
Location: Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Street
Time: 10 a.m.
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact pam.austin@alexandriava.gov or call Virginia Relay 711.