Aging Gracefully 2025 by InsideNoVa

Wednesday, May 14

8-11 a.m.

Potomac Mills Mall

Dining Pavilion

Free and open to the public

A showcase of services, products and resources that assist in planning for the future.

All About ‘Aging Gracefully’

The “Aging Gracefully” Expo will be held on Wednesday, May 14, at Potomac Mills Mall in the Dining Pavilion.

The event is free and open to the whole community. Businesses and organizations from throughout the region will be showcasing the services, products and resources they offer that assist in planning for the future.

PARTNERS

PRINCE WILLIAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Whether you have aging parents or an aging spouse, the information and resources provided at the Aging Gracefully Expo are extremely valuable

for caregivers and future caregivers alike. The Prince William Chamber is proud and honored to provide this essential resource to our community each year.

MAIN SPONSOR:

PRINCE WILLIAM AREA AGENCY ON AGING

The Prince William Area Agency on Aging is excited to bring this community favorite event back in 2024. Our focus remains on making older adults, persons with disabilities and their caregivers aware of the many resources that are available to them in the community. Being a caregiver can be stressful. At the Agency on Aging, we want to ensure our community knows that resources are available to support them.

>>See other sponsors and a complete list of exhibitors on Page 3

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center is delighted to partner with the Prince William Chamber, the Area Agency on Aging and Potomac Mills Mall for this valuable event. The “Aging Gracefully” Expo brings together a wealth of resources, information, programs and services of interest to older adults and their caregivers.

NOTE: Recommended parking for this event is in the Cheesecake Factory parking lot.

VISION PARTNER:

SENTARA NORTHERN VIRGINIA MEDICAL CENTER

• OmniRide Express buses travel along the I-95 and I-66 corridors to destinations in Northern Virginia and downtown D.C. Discounted fares for those 60+ or persons with a disability.

• OmniRide Local serves routes in Dale City, Dumfries, Woodbridge (including along Route 1), Lake Ridge, and the Manassas area. ZERO-FARE through June 30!

On behalf of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, I am honored to invite you to the 2025 Aging Gracefully Expo on Wednesday, May 14, from 8-11 a.m. This event is a fantastic opportunity for seniors and their caregivers to learn about the resources that are available in the community.

Bob Sweeney

Sincerely,

Each year, we are pleased to present our annual Aging Gracefully Expo, which features a variety of exhibitors that specialize in all areas of need from health services to travel agencies. The Prince William Chamber is committed to supporting the needs of our senior population by connecting them with local businesses that specialize in serving the senior demographic. Our support is essential to creating an even stronger, more connected community for our seniors.

Bob Sweeney President and CEO Prince William Chamber of Commerce

Prince William Chamber of Commerce

Prince William Area Agency on Aging

Navigating Your Retirement Journey

Life is a journey and there are many turns along your path before reaching your retirement destination. We invite you to take this opportunity to use navigational support from trusted experts on aging and learn how to ll your golden years with more “want tos” than “have tos” while still preserving your nest egg and maintaining nancial freedom.

Don’t leave your retirement to chance by relying on someone else to make decisions for you. Attend our upcoming presentation and learn how to identify the best choices for your future while still living life to the fullest.

Exercise can improve senior adults’ strength, balance and heart health – and physical activity also protects cognitive function.

YURI ARCURS | PEOPLEIMAGES.COM

May is Older Americans Month –Embrace It!

BY JULIE ROSE

We are celebrating older Americans this month. It’s the perfect time to recognize the wisdom and resilience of the seniors within our communities.

Connecting with seniors and reflecting on their contributions and legacies allows those of all ages to learn from senior’s experiences and create deeper, fulfilling relationships. It’s important to honor the lives of our seniors every day by supporting independence and dignity and fueling social connections to support overall well-being.

MAY 28 – NATIONAL SENIOR HEALTH & FITNESS DAY

For the past 32 years, on the last Wednesday in May, people and organizations have celebrated National Senior Health & Fitness Day. It is the largest health promotion event for older adults in the United States with more than 1,000 events nationwide! This year’s theme is “Move Today for a Better Tomorrow.”

Exercise improves your strength, balance, and heart health – and physical activity also protects cognitive function. Regular movement increases brain blood flow and supports memory and may even help delay or reduce dementia symptoms. Enjoy the many local and regional opportunities and resources to get active and stay engaged.

Virginia

Alexandria hosts a Senior Health & Fitness Fair on Thursday, May 22, beginning at 10 a.m. at Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson Ave. in Alexandria. Hosted by Senior Services of Alexandria, this fair offers health and fitness activities specifically tailored for seniors. Go to seniorservicesalex.org/senior-health-and-fitness-fairmay-23-2024/ for additional information.

Arlington County 55+ has a number of activities as well as a Spring 55+ guide. Visit arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/ Parks-Recreation/Programs/55-Membership/Senior-Activities to learn more.

Fairfax County 55+ hosts group fitness classes, walking groups, and wellness seminars. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/ results?q=55%2B+activities for more information.

Prince William County has two senior centers, one in Manassas and one in Woodbridge, that offer a variety of fun activities such as fitness classes, special presentations, interactive games and much more. Go to pwcva.gov/department/area-agency-aging/senior-centers for additional information. You can find the current monthly newsletter for the Manassas Senior Center and for the Woodbridge Senior Center, which offer wonderful activities for the month.

Maryland Montgomery County Recreation 55+ Programs has a Spring 55+ Activity Catalog that is filled with options from Tai Chi to pickleball to nutrition tips – there seems to be something for everyone. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/Resources/ Files/publications/55andbetter-sp25.pdf for more information.

Check out the Montgomery Parks offerings with numerous beginner classes – it’s a great place to try something new with fellow county residents. More information is available at montgomeryparks. org/activities/55-and-better-programs/.

Washington, D.C.

The DC Department of Aging & Community Living offers virtual and in-person activities promoting movement and connection for residents. Learn more at dacl.dc.gov.

For those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, there are several options to keep moving and support your physical and mental health through exercise.

Among them, the YMCA offers Pedaling for Parkinson’s, a class specially designed for those with Parkinson’s and movement disorders. These classes are offered across the region in Alexandria, Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Fairfax and Silver Spring. For more information, visit ymcadc.org/pedaling-for-parkinsons/.

I encourage you to move today, have fun and connect with others to ensure your better tomorrows.

Julie Rose, M.Ed., CDP, CHC, CAPS is CEO of Paladin Life Care providing exceptional care and advocacy for senior clients and those with disabilities in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

JULIE ROSE

Your Pharmacist is an Essential Health Ally

When you think about your health care team, you probably think first about your doctors. Others, however, play a critical role in helping you be healthy, including your pharmacist.

This is especially true for older adults, according to Dr. Grant Tarbox, national medical executive with Cigna Healthcare Medicare, because they tend to have more chronic conditions than younger people and often rely upon multiple medications to keep them well.

In fact, more than half of adults 65 and older report taking four or more prescriptions, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, an independent source for health policy research, polling and news.

Pharmacies and pharmacists have been expanding their roles over the years. Tarbox says the following are among the services you can expect from your pharmacist.

Improving adherence. Not taking your medication as prescribed can result in negative health consequences. Only about 50% of people take their medications as directed because of such reasons as fear and forgetfulness.

A pharmacist can help you understand the purpose of each prescription and discuss strategies for taking it correctly. For example, they may simplify your regimen to once- or twice-daily dosages to pair at the same time as a daily activity or recommend digital reminders.

Ensuring safety. More than 1.5 million people visit emergency rooms annually because of adverse drug events, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older adults are especially susceptible. They may take medications prescribed by several different doctors. This can cause confusion, especially during transitions in care, such as returning home from the hospital.

Pharmacists can help reconcile medications during these times, while reducing the risk of errors. Remember to discuss

any over-the-counter drugs you’re taking, which can have negative side effects, interact poorly with other medications and food or even become addictive. Always read and follow instructions for over-thecounter drugs. And ask your pharmacist to run an interactions check of all of your medications.

Providing access to care. Older adults in rural areas or lacking transportation may have difficulty accessing their prescriptions. By using a mail-order pharmacy, you may be able to have a three-month supply of medication delivered, while saving money, too. Ask your insurer for details.

Addressing affordability. According to the Kaiser foundation, 21% of older adults did not take their medicines as prescribed in the past year because of cost. Pharmacists can help. Working in concert with your physician, they may be able to suggest a lower cost or generic alternative that is just as effective.

Additionally, they can point you toward patient assistance programs, such as those run by pharmaceutical manufacturers, which help eligible patients access medications at little or no cost. Finally, they may be aware of government agencies or other programs that can help with costs. Unfortunately, many people who qualify for these programs don’t even know they exist.

Offering immunizations. Several vaccinations are important for older adults, such as COVID-19, flu, RSV, pneumonia and shingles. But older adults may not get them because of distrust, needle phobia or cost. Your pharmacist can address your concerns and may even be able to offer them on-site. The cost may be covered by a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plan.

As the population ages and the prevalence of chronic diseases grows, you can expect pharmacists to deliver more services as key members of your health care team, Tarbox said.

– StatePoint

Pharmacists can help older adults manage their prescriptions and find less expensive alternatives.

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Aging in Place?

Enjoy comfortable, safe and easy access to all of your

More affordable than options such as moving.

PMedicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1

As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. If you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.

Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

The best way to avoid large dental bills is preventive care. Experts recommend checkups twice a year.

Previous dental work can wear out.

Your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2

Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.

Unexpected bills, like $190 for a filling, or $1,213 for a crown3 can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.

neumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and even land you in the hospital. Medical experts want you to know that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of serious illness.

An important step is getting pneumococcal vaccination if it’s recommended for you. This vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal disease, including pneumococcal pneumonia, bloodstream infection (bacteremia) and infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

In October 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its adult immunization schedules and now recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults 50 or older, even if you are healthy, and maintains its recommendation of vaccination for adults 19-49 with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, COPD, chronic heart disease and diabetes.

“The immune system naturally weakens with age, so even if you’re healthy and active, being older puts you at greater risk of severe illness from pneumococcal pneumonia. The CDC’s updated guidelines are intended to keep more people healthy and safe,” said Dr. Albert A. Rizzo, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association.

The American Lung Association maintains an ongoing educational program about pneumococcal pneumonia with Pfizer. As part of the program, they are sharing these fast facts:

MORE INFORMATION

» To learn more about pneumococcal pneumonia risk factors, symptoms and prevention, visit Lung.org/pneumococcal

• Anyone can get pneumococcal pneumonia and unfortunately, it is a disease you can have more than one time. Certain populations are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization and death. You can use American Lung Association resources to help you determine your risk.

• The symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include fever, chills, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, and these symptoms can appear suddenly and without warning.

• Having the flu increases the likelihood of developing pneumonia, including pneumococcal pneumonia. You can reduce this risk by getting a flu shot every year to help prevent seasonal influenza. In addition, those at risk for pneumococcal disease can get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. Ask your healthcare provider about pneumococcal vaccination today. Thanks to the CDC’s recommendations, more Americans can take the step of vaccinating against pneumococcal pneumonia and reducing their risk of severe illness.

– StatePoint

The pneumococcal vaccination helps protect against pneumococcal disease, including pneumococcal pneumonia, bloodstream infection (bacteremia) and infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).

Top Scams to Watch Out for During Tax Season

The days of filing paper tax returns are gone, and criminals are taking advantage. With taxpayers managing their sensitive information online, thieves are finding new ways to scam victims.

In 2023 alone, the IRS reported $5.5 billion lost to tax fraud schemes. And the increased prevalence of artificial intelligence means tax scams this year will likely be more sophisticated than ever.

Scammers have an arsenal of weapons, but no matter their tactics, the goal is the same – to have you give them money or access to it. Here are scams to look out for this tax season:

Tax avoidance scams. These scams often promise rewards too good to be true. Scammers claim to have specialized knowledge on exploiting loopholes to avoid taxes or maximize returns. High-income filers are heavily targeted through offers of seemingly legitimate annuities or tax shelters.

Refund scams. In this scam, a criminal will claim to be someone official notifying the taxpayer about an unclaimed or incorrectly calculated refund, prompting the victim to share information – and possibly bank account numbers – to claim it.

Violation scams. This is a fear-based scam, in which the criminal poses as an IRS official threatening some punitive action, claiming the victim committed a violation and needs to contact them to resolve the situation.

Filing support scams. Similar to tech support scams, criminals offer to help create IRS accounts to assist with the online filing process. Frequently posing as tax preparers, scammers will go through the motions of gathering the victim’s personal information for tax forms they never intend to file.

Social media scams. Social media serves as a great place for criminals to find potential victims and carry out tax scams, fraudulently claiming to offer different types of services or possessing unique knowledge or access.

Recovery scams. Once a victim is scammed, criminals will try to strike again – believing the victim is gullible. Exploiting a time of vulnerability, they will contact the victim with promises of helping them recover their losses and will leverage this as an opening to commit additional crimes.

Although it is not always easy to pick out a scam, here are indicators to watch for:

• Promise of a big pay-out. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Request for your account information. The IRS will never ask for your credit or debit account information over the phone.

• Random contact. The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail first and will never contact via random phone calls or

digital means. The IRS will not leave prerecorded, urgent or threatening voicemails.

• Demands or threats. The IRS can’t revoke your driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status and cannot threaten to immediately bring in local law enforcement. Taxpayers are allowed an appeals process, so any message of “now or else” won’t come from an official channel.

• Request for you to click a web link. Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.

The IRS recommends these best practices to protect against tax fraud:

• Get an early start. File early so criminals have less time to impersonate you.

• Set up a verified account. Set up your own IRS account before someone else can and use an Identity Protection PIN – a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS.

• Wait for written notice. Do not respond to any supposed communications from the IRS if you haven’t first received official notification through U.S. mail. If you get a call from someone claiming to be the IRS, hang up and call the official number on the website before engaging. Further, never click a link sent digitally as initial contact.

• Apply good cyber hygiene. Do not use public Wi-Fi when filing your tax returns. Do use strong passwords, secured network connections and multi-factor authentication. Run all software updates and keep systems current.

If you fall victim to a tax scam, report it to the IRS.

One wrong click can cause tremendous damage that ends up earning bad guys a windfall. However, a little caution can go a long way in helping you avoid a costly tax scam.

– StatePoint

With more taxpayers managing their sensitive information online, thieves are finding new ways to scam victims.

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GAME DAY MEN’S HEALTH

Step into Gameday Men’s Health in Gainesville and ignite your journey to a bolder, stronger you. In a vibrant, man-cave setting, Gameday Men’s Health inspires men to conquer fatigue, reignite passion and restore confidence through cutting-edge treatments like testosterone replacement therapy, P-Shot, GAINSWave shockwave therapy and tailored weight loss programs.

Opened in August by owner Marshall Carey, a local entrepreneur driven by purpose, Gameday is more than a clinic – it’s a movement to empower men to live fully.

“We help you rediscover the fire within,” Carey declares.

With expert clinicians Nancy Ramirez and Raychal Shaffer, Gameday delivers personalized care, rapid 15-minute lab results and unwavering support. Visit Gameday Gainesville to transform your life, seize every moment and unleash the man you were born to be.

(See our ads, Pages 5 and 7)

AGING WITH INTENTION: PLANNING YOUR PATH TO SENIOR LIVING

Since 2002, Commonwealth Senior Living has provided personalized care and meaningful experiences to ensure every senior feels at home in our communities. We are dedicated to enhancing seniors’ quality of life through engaging

Does Your Loved One Show These Signs?

• Forgetting recent conversations or events

• Struggling with everyday tasks like cooking or cleaning

• Feeling confused about time or environment

It’s okay to ask for help. At Heritage Village, we understand how hard it is to see someone you love face these challenges. That’s why we’re here as a resource to support you and your family every step of the way.

To learn more about our care and services, call (703) 822-5604 or visit

Senior Resources

activities, compassionate support and our signature programs like Farm-to-Table dining and Travel the World initiative, which encourages lifelong learning and adventure.

With more than 2,700 residents and 33 communities throughout the mid-Atlantic region, our guiding philosophy – “We Listen, We Love, We Care, We Serve” – reflects our commitment to treating residents with dignity and respect while fostering a warm, welcoming environment.

Locally, Commonwealth Senior Living offers personalized assisted living and memory care in historic Old Town Manassas.

When it comes to planning for senior living, we encourage families to start early so they can explore all their options, consider future needs and establish a plan. Doing so helps alleviate stress and ensures a smoother transition when the time comes.

Whether you're a senior, an adult child or a family caregiver, our community experts are here to guide you along your senior living journey. Call (860) 500-1614 to schedule a visit and request your personalized journey kit – a roadmap to your best life. Or visit CommonwealthSL.com

(See our ad, Page 4)

AGE GRACEFULLY WITH COMPASSIONATE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

At Heritage Village, personalized support and a strong sense of community go hand in hand. Residents here live with dignity, independence and purpose, because our approach to senior living is centered on respect, connection and joy.

For those who need a little extra support with daily activities, our assisted living lifestyle provides personalized care in a vibrant, welcoming environment. Residents enjoy spacious private apartments, chef-prepared meals and a calendar full of engaging activities – all while having the peace of mind that professional support is always nearby.

For individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, Heritage Village’s specialized memory care neighborhood offers loving, highly personalized support. Here, residents benefit from innovative Heartfelt Connections programming that honors each person’s unique journey, with a focus on meaningful engagement, dignity and quality of life. Our team is trained in evidence-based practices to foster connection, preserve abilities and nurture well-being.

At Heritage Village, residents aren’t just cared for – they’re celebrated. Our thoughtfully designed spaces, caring team members, and interactive programming create a place where every individual can age gracefully, with confidence and comfort.

Discover a community where every day brings new opportunities to thrive and feel at home. Learn more, or schedule a personal visit, by calling (703) 822-5604 or visiting HeritageVillageGainesville. com.

(See our ad, Page 8)

OMNIRIDE GETS YOU THERE!

Spring has sprung! The better weather means we can start taking advantage of all our area has to offer – a trip into Washington, local shopping, lunch with friends or catching up on health appointments. Whether you no longer drive or simply don’t want to deal with the congestion, OmniRide can get you wherever you want to go on our fare-free Local or Metro Express buses. OmniRide Access, a paratransit program that serves disabled riders who require off-route pick-up and drop-off, is available on both the eastern and western sides of the county. Passengers must register and reserve trips in advance.

OmniRide Connect is a fare-free microtransit service that allows passengers to book same-day travel, and riders are transported in vans. It operates in the Manassas Park and Quantico/Dumfries/ Triangle areas. Learn more at OmniRide. com or book a presentation about OmniRide services by calling our outreach specialist at (703) 580-6127.

(See our ad, Page 2)

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and nearly 12 million family members and friends provide their unpaid care. As the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the Alzheimer’s Association provides free resources, including a 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900), education programs, support groups and a variety of online tools to help those facing the disease (alz. org).

We are the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research, with $430 million invested in more than 1,150 projects around the world. Your participation in Walk to End Alzheimer’s helps make this possible. Join us at alz.org/walk

(See our ad, Page 3)