Article by Beth Ann Margetta, Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
(Posted 2025 July)
The SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan is Fairfax County’s strategic plan designed to guide efforts in building programs to support older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in the Fairfax area. The plan acts as a North Star for Adult and Aging, helping us to understand the needs of older adults and their caregivers. It also helps community-based organizations that serve and support these groups.
Over the past year, we’ve made a lot of progress with this plan. SHAPE Initiative Development Committees were created in 2023 to review the recommendations and make the plan work. They meet regularly to review the progress of different projects and come up with new long-term initiatives. These committees, co-facilitated by members of the Commission on Aging (COA), make sure the plan fits well with the larger Countywide Strategic Plan. The SHAPE plan also aligns with Fairfax County’s OneFairfax policy, ensuring that everyone in the community gets a say in how the plan works.
This year, the COA has worked hard to fight against ageism (prejudice or discrimination against older people) and to use language that includes everyone. They have completed several projects and developed three new initiatives to address SHAPE recommendations, helping older adults feel included and accepted, and provide resources to support their economic stability and planning. One of these projects, called “Creating the Fairfax Culture of Connection,” aims to educate people about the importance of social connection in combatting loneliness. Other projects include building Dementia Friendly organizations and helping more adults complete advance care planning. These projects were highlighted at the Board of Supervisors’ Older Adults Committee Meeting on June 3.
The initiative development committees have worked to increase awareness and create resources, gaining national recognition for their efforts. Market research has shown that more people need to be aware of services for older adults. Because of this, the Adult and Aging website has been updated, a bus ad campaign was launched, and a program on Mature Living about these services was aired. Partnerships with other agencies have helped promote these efforts, including at Fairfax County Public Library branches.
The "Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality" (Embodied Labs) project has become an established program. The Fairfax AAA will be recognized for it with a 2025 USAging Aging Achievement Award in the category of “caregiving.”
In its second year, the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan has made great strides in supporting older adults in Fairfax County. With many successful projects and a continued focus on equity and community engagement, the plan promises more improvements in the future. More information about SHAPE and the updated Annual report can be found on the SHAPE webpage: FairfaxCounty.gov/topics/shape-future-aging.
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).