The Observer Newspapers | Opportunities For Seniors Are Popping Up All Over

April 17, 2008

Opportunities For Seniors Are Popping Up All Over

By Luci Koizumi
Senior Columnist

According to the astronomical definition, spring officially began on March 21 and lasts until June 20 in the northern hemisphere. My Chicago in-laws consider May Day the start of their shortest season, and my Nebraska relatives expect spring sometime soon or anytime after the last snow. Obviously, spring is variable.

May is officially "Older Americans' Month," an observation for those often referred to as seniors, a status even more variable than spring, as are the terms: senior citizens, 65+, the elderly, mature adults, oldsters, retirees, golden agers, the grand generation, geezers, AARPers (who can be as young as 50). As Americans are living longer, the definition of "seniors" is moving in the opposite direction, including younger people, the boomers "55 and better" as retirement community ads put it. Some gerontologists refer to the "young old" and the "old old," which is usually defined as 80 and older. With more people living past 100, maybe we'll soon have an "oldest old" category.

The Older Americans' Month celebration at the Reston Community Center will honor "American Senior Idols" and highlight local musical talent. Various health screenings will be available and exhibitors will share resources and volunteer opportunities. The celebration is sponsored by RCC, Reston Association and Reston Hospital Center. This free event will be held May 22 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the RCC Hunters Woods location. It is open to those 55 and older and includes a buffet lunch.

Spring is a great time for outdoor exercise, and for many seniors this means cycling the inviting area pathways. To help them gear up, RA's Senior Advisory Committee is sponsoring a bicycle clinic for seniors 55 and older from 2 to 4 p.m. June 4 at RA's conference room, 1930 Isaac Newton Square. Instructor Pat Blackman, a senior herself, will bring her enthusiasm and experience to share the joy of touring on bikes. She will cover how to select an appropriate bike, correct accessories and clothing, and how to fix a flat, as well as basic bike safety and courtesy. Participants may bring their bike (racks available) to be checked out after the clinic. Attendance is limited to 20 seniors, and registration is required. Call 703-435-6577. The cost to attend is $5, which is payable at the door.

"Where To Start: Closing the Gap in Serving Seniors" is the theme and purpose of Interfaith Summit 2008, planned for June 11 from 8:30 a.m. toÊ4:30 p.m. Representatives of Fairfax area faith communities and those interested in developing faith-based programs for older adults are invited to attend to share resources and ideas. Keynote speaker will be Rev. Abigail Rian Evans, professor of practical theology and coordinator of older adult ministry initiatives, Princeton Theological Seminary. The event will be held at George Mason University, Student Union Building II, 4400 University Dr. in Fairfax. Registration is free and includes continental breakfast and box lunch. Call 1-877-926-8300 (toll free) or register at www.carefaxltc.org.

On June 12, several Jewish organization and other area agencies will sponsor "Expanding Our Horizons," the second annual Positive Aging Fair. Keynote speaker will be Harry R. Moody, director of academic affairs for AARP, who will talk about "Discovering Your Creativity in the Second Half of Life." Workshops will explore opportunities for older adults to create healthy, meaningful and active retirements. The fair is open anyone with an interest in the topics. Admission, including morning refreshments and a light Kosher lunch, is $8 for Jewish Community Center members and $10 for non-members who register at 703-323-0880. Walk-in registration (no lunch) is $5. The hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, located at8900 Little River Turnpike in Fairfax.

To help fill your summer calendar the RCC/RA Senior Social on June 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. will provide details on upcoming senior trips, classes, lectures and social activities. Attendees (55 and older) can enjoy a sampling of treats, catch up with friends, meet new people and have the chance to win one ofÊseveral door prizes. The social will be held at the Herndon Senior Center, 873 Grace St. in Herndon. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. For those who need it, transportation will be provided from RCC Hunters Woods.

The highlight of the spring social season for many local seniors takes place this year the first day of summer, June 21. That's the Senior Senior Prom, a dress up, dancing encouraged, event for Herndon and Reston residents age 50 or better. The Senior Senior Prom will feature the Loudoun Jazz Ensemble and the 8 Week Wonders Swing Dancers. Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Herndon and Reston, it will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church, located at 750 Peachtree St. in Herndon. For reservations, call the Observer Newspapers at 703-437-5886 and ask for Will Grein or Chris Moore. Transportation will be provided for those who request it.