Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2024 January)
Making a New Year's resolution is easy. Keeping the resolution is the difficult part. Often the issue is that we identify the goal but not the steps and resources needed to achieve it. To help you make a resolution you will keep, here are a few suggestions and helpful resources to get you started.
Resolve to Learn Something New
Learning is a lifelong pursuit and can take many forms. It’s never too late to explore a new subject, learn a new skill or master a new language. Check out these educational resources:
- The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, affiliated with the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College, offers adults 50 and older the opportunity to take classes on various subjects, attend guest lectures, and enjoy cultural and social events. Membership is $110/year. Learn more at LLINova.org.
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University offers classes and activities at three area locations, trips to local destinations, and more than two dozen clubs for members to join. The fee for new members is $300/year; $450/year for returning members. Learn more at Olli.gmu.edu.
- FCPS Adult and Community Education offers classes for adults, including many world languages. Most courses run 10-12 sessions and many meet online. Fees vary by class. Learn more at AceClasses.fcps.edu.
- Fairfax County Public Library cardholders can access a variety of free online learning resources, including Mango Languages, offering conversation language learning in over 70 languages, LinkedIn Learning, covering a variety of topics in business and technology, Universal Class, offering hundreds of online courses, and more. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/library.
Resolve to Take up a New Hobby
Did you know that January is National Hobby Month? What perfect timing if your resolution is to pursue a new hobby. Here are some ideas and resources to inspire you:
- Birdwatching – birds are fascinating, especially when you take the time to observe them. Birdwatching is one of the easiest hobbies for a beginner because it requires little equipment – sturdy walking shoes, a field guide and a pair of binoculars. Watch birds in your own neighborhood or visit local parks. Visit FairfaxCounty.gov/parks and NovaParks.com for a park near you.
- Reading – If you want to read more but find it difficult to sit still, consider audiobooks. You can enjoy them while performing other activities, like cooking or loading the dishwasher. If you love reading and want to discuss your latest read, consider joining a book club. Learn more about audiobooks and book clubs at your local library branch or on the library’s website.
- Gardening – Developing a green thumb takes hard work, patience and most importantly, knowledge. Get advice, resources, news and information from the masters – Fairfax County Master Gardeners (FairfaxGardening.org) and Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners (FairfaxCounty.gov/parks/green-spring/extension-master-gardeners.)
- Puzzles – In addition to the satisfaction you feel upon completing a puzzle, this hobby is also good for your health. Studies have shown that working on puzzles reduces stress and helps improve memory. To tap into a steady supply of puzzles, consider swapping them. Puzzle swapping opportunities can be found on Facebook by joining your local Puzzle Swap and Give Freely groups. Puzzle swaps are also hosted at library branches. Ask at your local branch or check the library website for upcoming swaps.
Resolve to Make Connections
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation was an issue for older adults. Family members may live far away, and friends often move after retiring. Here are a few ways to get involved and make some new connections:
- Volunteer – opportunities to give back abound in our community and are a great way to connect with like-minded people. Find volunteer opportunities at bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER, bit.ly/FXVSVOL, and VolunteerFairfax.org.
- Join a Senior Center – Meet new friends while enjoying a wide variety of activities.
- Fairfax County operates 15 senior centers. Membership is available to adults 50 and older and costs $24-$48/year for county residents and $100/year for non-residents. Learn more at FairfaxCounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/senior-centers.
- The Young at Heart Senior Center in the City of Fairfax welcomes adults 55 and older to join. Membership is free for City of Fairfax residents and $50/year for non-residents. Learn more at FairfaxVa.gov/government/parks-recreation/the-young-at-heart-senior-center.
- Adults 50 and older can join the City of Falls Church Senior Center. Membership is free for Falls Church residents and $12/person for non-residents with membership running Sept. 1-Aug. 31. Learn more at FallsChurchVa.gov/611/Senior-Center.
- McLean Community Center’s Seniors in Action is a recreation program for adults 50+. Membership is $100 per year/$48 for MCC district residents. Learn more at McleanCenter.org/seniors-in-action.
Resolve to Safeguard Your Health
Does anyone enjoy getting a check-up, visiting the dentist, or getting a shot? It’s safe to say that the answer is usually no. Despite this, each of us should resolve to make and keep these appointments to safeguard our health and wellbeing.
- An annual checkup is the best way to detect signs of illness or disease early.
- Five health screenings are vital to maintaining overall health and fitness: eye exam, hearing test, blood pressure check, bone density scan, and cancer screenings (breast, prostate, and colon cancer).
- Stay protected by getting the vaccines recommended for you. Flu shots, COVID-19, shingles vaccine, and pneumonia vaccine will help protect your health. Learn more about vaccines for adults at FairfaxCounty.gov/health/immunization/adult.
- Visit your dentist at least once a year, even if you have no natural teeth or have dentures. Studies have found a link between heart disease and periodontal disease so maintaining your oral health can provide benefits beyond a nice smile.
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).