Healthy aging month: Aging well tips and events

Dear Seniors,

Happy Healthy Aging Month! September is the perfect time to embrace new tasks and goals as the busy summer comes to an end. This month is designed to encourage everyone to rejuvenate and take positive steps toward physical, social, financial, and mental wellness—drawing on that familiar “back to school” energy we’ve all felt since childhood.

At DACL, my team and I are committed to making sure aging well is a top priority for DC seniors. Here are some tips to help kick-start Healthy Aging Month:

• Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activities like walking, yoga, or swimming to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance. I also encourage you to visit any of our senior wellness centers, open Monday through Friday, where you can join in on a variety of physical activities. Here is a list of our Senior Wellness Centers:
• Ward 1
  Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center
  3531 Georgia Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20011

• Wards 2 and 3
  Around Town Satellite Wellness Program
  4125 Albemarle Street, NW Washington, DC 20016

• Ward 4
  Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center
  324 Kennedy Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

• Ward 5
  Model Cities Senior Wellness Center
  1901 Evarts Street, NE Washington, DC 20018
• Ward 6
  Hayes Senior Wellness Center
  500 K Street, NE Washington, DC 20002
• Ward 7
  Washington Seniors Wellness Center
  3001 Alabama Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20020

• Ward 8
  Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center
  3500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20032
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on nutrition by including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals.
• Stay Connected: Check on your neighbors and maintain social connections with family, friends, and community groups to foster a sense of belonging and emotional well-being.
• Get Regular Check-Ups: Visit your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your health and catch any issues early.
• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy to reduce stress.
• Plan for the Future: Manage your finances and ensure your long-term needs are met.
• Keep Your Mind Sharp: Challenge your brain with puzzles, reading, or learning new skills to stay mentally engaged.

In addition to adopting healthy habits, this month is also a time to celebrate the many triumphs of aging. On September 18^th, we will honor the District’s oldest residents—those aged 100 and over—at Mayor Bowser’s 38^th Annual Centenarian Salute. This momentous occasion gives us the opportunity to celebrate the life accomplishments of DC Centenarians. Even if you’re not a centenarian (yet!), I invite you to join the celebration by checking in on a centenarian in your community. You never know what lessons—or even secrets to reaching 100—you might learn.

Continuing our recognition of Healthy Aging Month, seniors across the District will compete in the 7^th Annual Brain Games. This citywide trivia-style game will feature teams from all eight wards competing for the title. We invite you to join in the fun! The Annual Brain Games will take place at Martin Luther King, Jr., Library on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM.

As we move forward in celebrating Healthy Aging Month I want you to remember that aging is a journey and it is never too late to start making positive changes. Whether it’s staying active, eating well, or staying connected with your community, every step you take brings you closer to a healthier, happier life.

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community and for your continued commitment to Living Boldly. We are here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to DACL at (202) 724-5626, www.dacl.dc.gov, or download the DACL app. Let’s make this Healthy Aging Month one to remember!

In Service,

Charon P.W. Hines
Director, Department of Aging and Community Living