Active Aging Week

In 2003, the International Council on Active Aging initiated the first Active Aging Week. Typically held in early October, the week-long campaign encourages the concept of positive aging. In observation of Active Aging Week, the Library will be hosting a number of events this fall. Read on to learn more about upcoming programs as well as additional local and Library resources that promote the benefits of active living and aging.

• First Aid and Home Safety for Older Adults

• Tue. Oct. 4, 2-3PM, Gayton Library
• Learn general first aid information, as well as home safety and fall prevention tips, in our salute to Active Aging Week. After the program, check out materials from our collection dealing with health and safety for seniors. This program is led by a staff member from the Henrico County Division of Fire.

• Healthy Lifestyles: Longevity Health Traits

• Wed. Oct. 5, 11AM – 12PM, Glen Allen Library
• Celebrate Active Aging Week with Senior Connections: The Capital Area Agency on Aging, as we highlight key elements of good health, well-being, and longevity for older adults and caregivers of all ages.

• Makerspace for Seniors

• Thu. Oct. 6, 1-3:30PM, Fairfield Library
• You will find an assortment of projects to try or take home. Materials will be provided. Library materials will be available to spark further creativity.

• Lymphatic Massage

• Thu. Oct. 6, 6-7PM, Twin Hickory Library
• The body's lymphatic system is in charge of processing fluids and removing cellular waste from the body, and it supports immune health and other important bodily functions. In this hands-on workshop, learn Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage techniques designed to support the lymphatic system. Shelley and James of Nimbus Massage will teach the basics of the lymphatic system, techniques for self-Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, and provide information for people who have gone through cancer treatment that affected the lymph nodes.

• Healthy Living for Your Brain & Body

• Thu. Oct. 20, 2-3PM, Libbie Mill Library
• Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement. Use hands-on tools to help you incorporate these recommendations into a plan for healthy aging. Presented by the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

• Understanding Your Medicare Options

• Wed. Oct. 26, 2-3:30PM, Libbie Mill Library
• Tue. Nov. 15, 2-3:30PM, Fairfield Library
• Learn more about Medicare enrollment, costs, and coverage with staff and volunteers from the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP). Find out about programs available for eligible individuals to save on Medicare costs and where you can go to find the answers to your Medicare questions.

• 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

• Thu. Nov. 3, 2-3PM, Fairfield Library
• Learn how to recognize common signs of Alzheimer's and how to approach someone about memory concerns. Representatives from the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association will also discuss the importance of early detection, benefits of a diagnosis, tests and assessments for the diagnostic process, and Alzheimer’s Association resources. 

• Social Security 101

• Thu. Nov. 17, 2-3PM, Libbie Mill Library
• Learn all about Social Security with Jacqueline Weisgarber, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist, who will cover a range of topics including: when someone is eligible to receive retirement benefits, how early retirement affects benefits, how someone can get the most from their benefits, the future of Social Security, and when someone should file for Medicare.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

In addition to these, the Library offers a variety of programs to foster life-long learning. Download or pick up a Program Guide from your library or visit our online calendar to learn about upcoming book discussions, film screenings, crafts, computer classes, and more. Or subscribe to our monthly newsletter for updates on the latest Library news! 

Beyond the Library, County residents can explore a number of facilities and programs through Henrico Recreation and Parks, which offers activities for all ages. Furthermore, initiatives like EngAGE Henrico help enhance social engagement, wellness, and independence amongst older adults in the community by providing residents with information about local services and programs.

FROM THE COLLECTION

• Better Stretching : 9 Minutes a Day to Greater Flexibility, Less Pain, and Improved Performance by Joe Yoon
• Getting Real About Getting Older: Conversations About Aging Better by Linda K. Stroh
• Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Old? : The Path of Purposeful Aging by Richard Leider
• The Inner Work of Age: Shifting From Role to Soul by Connie Zweig
• Remember : The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting by Lisa Genova
• Healing Superfoods for Anti-Aging: Stay Younger, Live Longer by Karen Ansel
• Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff: Declutter, Downsize, and Move Forward with Your Life by Matt Paxton
• Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most Out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits by Joseph Matthews
• Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and the Potential of Our Lives by Daniel J. Levitin
• Learn Yoga