By MaryAnne Beatty
ALEXANDRIA,VA- Once again, Senior Services of Alexandria is offering a variety of educational and cultural programs for older adults and their families. We are pleased to present the ninth annual schedule for the Senior Speaker series—monthly events that cover topics relevant to seniors who want to live independently and stay connected to their communities. And we throw in a little fun and a chance to learn something new.
The 2019-2020 Speaker Series includes:
October 17 – Wellness: Mind, Body and Spirit – Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and a little exercise (tai chi and Pilates), and explore ways that mindfulness can contribute to positive aging.
November 13 – On the Move: Travel Near and Far – Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Learn about the many ways to get around town and what special travel opportunities exist for older adults.
January 11, 2020 – Caregiver Support/Dementia Friendly Alexandria – Immanuel Church on the Hill, 3606 Seminary Road. Discover resources to support caregivers and how Alexandria is becoming part of the global Dementia Friendly initiative.
February 20 – Housing Options and Home Improvement– Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke Street. Learn how to adapt your home to age in place and discover other housing options available in Alexandria for older adults.
March 19 – Gizmos and Gadgets: Technology that Makes Sense for Older Adults – Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke Street. Technology can make your life easier – if you know how to make it work for you! Come hear about innovations that could improve the quality of your life.
April – Senior Academy Spring Session – This is a four-week class held Wednesday mornings for Alexandria residents age 60+ to learn how the City operates and how to get engaged in the community.
May 20 – Senior Health and Fitness Fair – Nannie J Lee Memorial Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson Street. Come join in the fun, learn ways to stay healthy and fit, enjoy cooking and exercise demonstrations, and take advantage of free health screenings.
June 20 – Senior Law Day – T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King Street. This annual event is co-sponsored by the Alexandria Bar Association to provide legal and financial information important for older adults and their families.
In addition, SSA and the Giant Food at 3131 Duke Street jointly host a monthly social hour, Coffee Connections, on the first Wednesday of each month from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a complimentary Starbucks beverage and a fun program on topics ranging from healthy nutrition tips to a quick salsa lesson!
Finally, SSA and Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library are offering two monthly cultural offerings:
Free tours of local museums and historic locations, which will begin with a visit to the Masonic Temple in September, and our new Creative Connections program, where participants can explore their creative side with various local arts groups.
Check SSA’s website and Facebook page for details in the next few weeks. To register for upcoming events, go to www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110.
MaryAnne Beatty is the Director of Community Outreach for Senior Services of Alexandria.
