At Home Places Spring 2021

SENIOR LIVING

Staying connected, learning, exercising are keys to aging well

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Written by TIM FISHER AND SUSAN HURD WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING

It is often said that knowledge is power, an assertion thatgrows in significance as we age.

It’s impossible to recall what we haven’t learned, but aswe get older, it becomes more difficult to remember what we do know. The challenges of aging are formidable, and even the nimblest body or mind succumbs to the trappings of passing time. The question isn’t, “How do we keep from aging?” The question lingers, “How do we age well?”

Staying connected to others socially, engaging in learning opportunities and exercising are key to active and healthy aging. The great news is, in the middle of a pandemic, you can do all of these things without leaving your home.

In most counties in the United States, you can find an area agency on aging and a senior center. They are invaluable partners and resources for personal growth in growing older. These agencies and centers cost little or nothing to members.

For Washington County residents ages 55 and older, the Washington County Commission on Aging and the county senior center are part of the same organization. In our community, the partnership has proven to be a life-changing and life-sustaining advantage to seniors, caregivers and those with disabilities.

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming a senior center member? It’s easier than ever! Go to wccoaging.org and follow the links for the senior center to complete an online registration form. Our free membership gives you access to a platform of programs and a robust lineup of virtual workshops to assist you in aging well. When you join, you’ll have the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, pursue a hobby or live a healthier life.

Aging well starts with signing up. You can attend classes and discover a whole new social support system from the comfort and safety of your home. Become one of the thousands across Washington County who have joined the senior center and improved their lives.

Here are just a few upcoming health classes:

• Stepping On program (fall prevention)

• Walking with Ease (helps encourage safe walking)

• Living Well (chronic disease self-management)

• Living Well with Hypertension

• Living Well with Diabetes

• Diabetes-prevention program

Aging well means connecting well. — Places

Tim Fisher is director of development, and Susan Hurd is RSVP project manager, guardianship care manager and community educator, for Washington County Commission on Aging Inc./Area Agency on Aging.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit your local area agency on aging’s website or Facebook page.

You also may go to the Washington County Commission on Aging’s Facebook page at facebook.com/WCCOAging or website at wccoaging.org.

You can also reach the Washington County Commission on Aging by calling 301-790-0275 or emailing info@wccoaging.org.

Celebrating 40 years serving the community!

We care for the whole family.

Providing Exceptional Family-Centered Care in our Community since 1980.

Are you or someone you know interested in becoming a senior center member? Go to wccoaging.org and follow the links for the senior center to complete an online registration form. The free membership provides access to a platform of programs and a robust lineup of virtual workshops to assist you in aging well. Getty Images

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