Article by Karen Goff, Department of Neighborhood and Community Services
(Posted 2023 September)
September is National Senior Center Month! The Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services invites you to celebrate by visiting one of its 14 senior centers. Facilities are located throughout Fairfax County, making it easy to get involved right in your neighborhood!
Fairfax Senior Centers offer recreational and social opportunities for adults ages 50 and over. Hundreds of active older adults from around the county have registered with the county’s network of senior centers. Memberships offer an affordable way to explore hobbies, pursue fitness goals, develop friendships, and enjoy a wide variety of activities with your peers. Center programs and activities are as diverse as the needs and interests of the communities they serve.
Obtaining a senior center membership is easy. Members must be 50 and over, be able to participate independently and pay an annual membership fee ($24-$48 for Fairfax County residents, depending on income). Non-residents may purchase a membership for $100 annually. Further membership details may be found at bit.ly/3POhIqL.
Being involved at a senior center could help overall health, particularly mental health. A 2019 study in “The Journals of Gerontology” found that older adults who interacted with people beyond their usual social circle of family and close friends were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity, greater positive moods, and fewer negative feelings.
On any given day, Fairfax Senior Centers members are playing mah jongg, participating in book clubs, learning pickleball, brushing up on technology skills, creating art, singing, dancing and so much more. Visit bit.ly/ActivityCalendars to see what’s in store at your nearest senior center.
Most senior center activities are free, but some, such as field trips, feature a small charge. Meals and transportation options are also available (eligibility and fees apply – please contact the senior center near you for details).
Fairfax County is also pleased to offer the Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA), a senior center without walls. We offer a diverse lineup of content for participants to take part from home, extended vacations or wherever they are. The goal of the VCAA is to enrich the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities in Northern Virginia while combatting isolation.
The VCAA is a wonderful place to connect with peers, engage in a variety of activities and discover useful resources. Content is delivered both live and prerecorded on-demand. Popular offerings include cooking demonstrations, exercise classes, current events discussions and more.
For more information, please call 703-324-4600, TTY 711.
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).