Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services

(Posted 2026 May)

May is Older Americans Month. It is a time to honor the many ways older adults contribute to our families and communities, to look at how our population is aging, and to renew our promise to support older adults.

This year’s theme is “Champion Your Health.” It focuses on staying healthy, preventing illness, and taking personal responsibility for your health. It encourages older adults to speak up for themselves, get regular checkups, and make choices that help them stay independent.

This month, both communities and individuals can take steps to support good health and healthy aging.

Here are some simple ways people of any age can take charge of their health:

• Keep up with regular checkups, vaccines, and health screenings. Stay connected with friends, family, and community to support your emotional well-being.
• Eat healthy foods that are fresh or only lightly processed.
• Be physically active on a regular basis to stay strong and move easily.
• Practice daily habits that support good mental health and help you cope with stress.

Fairfax County is working to support healthy aging in a variety of ways, including:

• 

  SHAPE the Future of Aging
  This is a strategic plan to make Fairfax County a better place to grow older, so people can live safely, independently, and with dignity. Now in year three of the five-year plan, focus committees are working on a variety of initiatives to make the county safer and healthier for older adults. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/shape-future-aging.

• Family Caregiver Support Program (Department of Family Services)
  Offers free online classes and workshops for caregivers, including programs on dementia, health, wellness, and activities for different generations. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/family-caregiver-support-programs.
• ElderLink
  A nonprofit partnership between Inova and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. ElderLink offers case management and free workshops on topics like preventing falls and managing long-term health problems. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/familyservices/older-adults/elderlink or call the ElderLink Intake Line at 703-324-5374, TTY 711.
• Home Delivered Meals Program (Fairfax Area Agency on Aging)
  Delivers healthy meals to adults age 60 and older, or to adults with disabilities, who are homebound and cannot make their own meals. Call 703-324-5409, TTY 711 to request services, make a referral, or get more information.
• Fairfax County Senior Centers
  Offer social, educational, and enrichment activities for adults age 50 and older. Members can pursue hobbies, fitness goals, special interests, and friendships with their peers. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/senior-centers.
• Virtual Center for Active Adults
  Offers free online programs, such as exercise classes and special talks, through Zoom. Learn more at bit.ly/2XK7AD1.

This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).

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