National Senior Health & Fitness Day is celebrated on the last Wednesday in May during Older Americans Month. 2019 marks the 26th anniversary of the program, and more than 120,000 older adults will participate at local events at more than 1,200 locations across the country. The goal is to promote the importance of regular physical activity and to showcase what local organizations are doing to improve the health and fitness of older adults in their communities.
One way you can help celebrate is at Alexandria's Annual Senior Health & Fitness Fair. It will be a fun-filled morning starting at 9:30 a.m. – noon at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. in South Old Town Alexandria. Inova Alexandria Hospital will kick off the morning talking about recommended eating habits and why it is so important to maintain a healthy weight as we age. Nutritionists will be on hand to answer any questions and provide tips on how you can vary your diet to stay healthy and enjoy the foods you love.
The morning will continue with breakout sessions that will have a little something for everyone. The chef from Brandywine Assisted Living Community in Alexandria's West End will conduct a cooking demonstration with delicious samples for tasting. Other sessions include glaucoma and blood pressure health screenings, Tai-Chi — a great exercise form to improve balance, and other fun activities. This day of fitness ties into the theme of this year's Older Americans Month: Connect, Create and Contribute which encourages older adults to engage in activities that promote learning, health and personal enrichment. Communities that support the contributions of older adults are stronger. By engaging and supporting all community members, we recognize that older adults play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and lives.
This annual event is sponsored by the city's Successful Aging Committee, which includes representatives from Senior Services of Alexandria, the City's Division of Aging and Adult Services, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
There will be light refreshments and all are welcome. Please register for this free event either online at seniorservicesalex.org or by calling 703-836-4414, ext. 110.