Author: thevirginian1

In the words of Audrey Hepburn, “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.” Volunteering and donating your time not only helps those around you but also offers a wide range of rewards to yourself. These are just some of the ways volunteering benefits older adults, and how life at The Virginian makes finding volunteer opportunities easy.

Enrich Your Social Life

Volunteering is an amazing way to meet new people and form connections based on common interests and passions. When you volunteer with an organization you feel strongly about, you get to meet other people who support the same mission and goals as you do. Seniors who volunteer enjoy a rich social life with friends and a network that expands beyond their neighbors or immediate social circle. 

Enjoy A Sense of Purpose

Giving your time to a social cause you care about is an extremely rewarding experience with important emotional benefits. Helping others is a powerful reminder of our own abilities, and making a difference in the life of someone else can help reduce symptoms of depression and lower stress, as well as other cognitive benefits.

Keep Your Mind & Body Active

Volunteering is a great way to keep your body moving and mind stimulated. Activities that involve new skills are a great way to promote lifelong learning and stay mentally active, which can support cognitive function and support your mind against dementia-related symptoms. Physically, volunteering helps your cardiovascular system by promoting movement, exercise, and healthy circulation.

Discover New Interests

Just like volunteering can help you develop new skills, it can also introduce you to new interests. Whether through the benefiting organization itself or the people you meet while donating your time, volunteering is a great way to discover new passions to explore both while giving back and on your own, keeping your brain stimulated and your days rewarding. 

Choosing Where to Volunteer

When choosing where to volunteer, it’s important to consider your interests and abilities. Selecting a cause you feel passionate about will help enrich your experience and make volunteering a joy, not a chore, and make giving back a regular part of your routine.

It’s also good to keep in mind your physical skills and abilities. Do you have any background in a particular field or type of work? Are you comfortable with a small degree of physical labor, or prefer a sedimentary environment? Being conscious of where and how you volunteer your time will help make your experience more enjoyable and rewarding.

Ideas for Volunteering in Fairfax, VA

Residents at The Virginian enjoy a wide range of convenient volunteering opportunities, all within easy access to home, such as:

RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program), a part of AmeriCorps Seniors, helps connect volunteers ages 55 and older with Northern Virginia volunteer organizations and non-profits including food pantries, disaster services, tutoring opportunities, ESL support, and more.

Remote opportunities, such as with our local American Red Cross chapter, are also a great way to give back, especially in collecting feedback on services and directing other volunteers.

Throughout the year, there are also many opportunities to give back right in our community, including:

• Our Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk 

• Draw for Paws, an art event to help senior pets find homes

• Orphan Buddy, connecting seniors with orphans in war-torn nations

Enjoy the Best of Retirement at The Virginian

Keep your mind and body active while enjoying maintenance-free living at The Virginian. A premier senior living community in Fairfax, VA, The Virginian offers an active, welcoming community with opportunities for every interest. Contact us to schedule a tour and experience our innovative community first-hand.

When temperatures are cold and the days short, cold and flu cases have a tendency to spike. While staying inside during the winter can protect you from the cold weather outside, extended time indoors can expose you to viruses and lead to getting sick. Stay safe this winter (and all year round!) with these cold and flu season tips for older adults:

Know the Symptoms

Catching a cold early can help you take the right steps to support your immune system and prevent spreading illness to others. Watch for these common cold and flu symptoms:

• Runny nose, congestion, and cough
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Muscle pain, body aches, and chills
• Fatigue or headaches

Symptoms of a head cold, flu, pneumonia, and even COVID-19 can overlap, which is why it’s important to monitor how you’re feeling. If you have a high fever or your symptoms persist for more than a week, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor or visit an urgent care center. Older adults in particular may have weaker immune systems or other health conditions that could lead to complications if not treated properly.

Practice Smart Hand Hygiene

Keeping your hands clean is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from illness. Regular handwashing and using hand sanitizer can help stop the spread of germs, especially during the winter months when viruses tend to linger longer in cold temperatures.

Here are some smart hygiene habits to follow:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow to avoid spreading germs.
• Carry tissues for easy access and dispose of them properly.
• Avoid touching your face—especially your eyes, nose, and mouth—until your hands are clean.

Get Your Flu Vaccine

One of the best ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season is to get your annual flu shot. As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making us more vulnerable to infections. Vaccines give your body a head start, training your immune system to recognize and fight off viruses more effectively.

Vaccines can:

• Reduce your risk of getting the flu
• Help lessen symptoms if you do get sick
• Protect those around you, especially those with weaker immune systems

In addition to the flu shot, talk to your doctor about other important vaccines, such as those for tetanus, shingles, COVID-19, and pneumonia. Some vaccines are updated regularly to combat new strains, so staying up to date each year is key.

Fuel Your Immune System with the Right Foods

The saying “You are what you eat” couldn’t be more true—especially when it comes to strengthening your immune system. A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet helps protect your body and supports overall health, particularly during cold and flu season.

While supplements can be helpful, always check with your doctor before adding them to your routine. A natural way to boost your immunity is by incorporating these vitamin-rich foods into your meals:

• Vitamin B – Found in dairy, eggs, whole grains, and lean meats, it helps keep your energy levels up.
• Vitamin E – Nuts, seeds, and avocados are packed with antioxidants that support immune function.
• Vitamin C – Citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli help fight infections and speed up recovery.
• Vitamin D – Found in salmon, tuna, egg yolks, and even sunlight, it plays a key role in immune health.

Stay Hydrated

Hydration isn’t just important in the summer—it’s essential all year long, especially in colder months when we tend to drink less water. Staying properly hydrated helps your body deliver nutrients to cells, flush out toxins, and keep your joints and organs functioning at their best.

Simple ways to stay hydrated include:

• Drinking fluids consistently throughout the day—even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Eating water-rich foods like cucumbers, celery, oranges, and watermelon.
• Enjoying warm broths, herbal teas, and nourishing soups, a perfect way to warm up in the winter.

Stay Active & Prioritize Rest

Keeping your body moving isn’t just great for staying strong and mobile—it also helps support your immune system. Regular physical activity increases circulation, promotes heart health, and can even help your body detect and fight off potential viruses. Plus, exercise has natural anti-inflammatory benefits, keeping you feeling your best.

But just as important as movement is rest. Quality sleep—at least 7 to 8 hours per night—plays a key role in cognitive function, mood, and immune efficiency. A well-rested body is better equipped to both fight off illness and keep you energized throughout the day.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking takes a serious toll on your lungs and weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to respiratory infections like the flu and pneumonia. Over time, it can also make it harder for your body to fight off other illnesses.

The good news? Quitting smoking can have an immediate and lasting impact on your health. Your lungs begin to heal, your immune system strengthens, and your overall well-being improves. Do your lungs a favor and avoid or limit smoking to protect against respiratory infections.

Stay Healthy With The Virginian

The Virginian is an energetic senior living community in Fairfax, VA. Stay healthy year-round with the Health & Wellness Navigation Program, connecting residents with wellness resources from across our community. 

Contact us to learn more about our welcoming retirement community and how The Virginian can elevate your retirement experience!

A new stage in life, retirement can bring new joys as well as challenges. That is why it’s important to actively take care of your mental health, giving it the same attention you would to your diet or quality of sleep (both which, incidentally, are important to your mental wellbeing!). 

Here are six easy ways for seniors to care for their mental health, with everyday ideas to get started:

Take Care of Your Body

Our physical bodies are complex, and lacking or deficient care in one type of health can have far-reaching effects. That is why it’s important for older adults to take care of their overall wellbeing, for both their mental, physical, and emotional health. 

This includes:

• Regularly exercising to keep your body moving. For your mental health, physical activity helps release mood-boosting endorphins and lower stress levels. 
• Getting enough sleep, and making sure that it is quality rest. Sleep deprivation can increase symptoms of stress, irritability, and pre-existing mental health conditions. If you are having trouble falling or staying asleep, talk to your physician. Depending on the cause, they may recommend a sleep study or CPAP machine.
• Eating well, including limiting caffeine consumption and having enough lean protein in your diet (e.g. chicken, fish, eggs, nuts). Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are also particularly beneficial, such as salmon and tuna. Be aware not to over- or under-eat, and practice which can be common when experiencing stress or depression.
• Taking any prescribed medications consistently. Some prescriptions have specific instructions to take with food or at a specific time of day so they don’t interfere with your body’s internal clock. Also be aware of any potential side effects of your medications, which can include increased feelings of stress, depression, or anxiety. 

Keep Your Brain Active

One of the best ways to boost and maintain your mental acuity is by staying engaged through lifelong learning. This can include learning or returning to a hobby, practicing an instrument, attending a seminar or lecture, online learning, enjoying a podcast or documentary, and so much more! Learn more about the benefits of lifelong learning with our recent blog. 

Stay Socially Connected

As we’ve written about before, a rich social life for seniors is key to enjoying your retirement and staying healthy. Human interaction, whether in person or over the phone or computer, helps improve both your emotional health as well as your memory and cognitive function. Spending time with others activates your amygdala, the part of your brain that controls memories and emotions. Spending time with friends, neighbors, and loved ones is crucial to positive mood regulation and your emotional well-being. 

Social connection for older adults can also be good for processing and managing and processing life’s different hurdles. Support groups are a great way to form personal connections with life-minded individuals managing similar situations, including various life stages, illnesses, taking care of an aging parent or partner, and grief. 

Limit Your Social and Media Use

Living in an increasingly digital world, it can feel difficult to unplug from social media and step away from the computer. News channels know that dramatic, emotional stories sell and get attention, which is why negative media so often takes center stage. While it’s important to be aware of and engaged with the greater world, too much can lead to a distorted and pessimistic view of the world, as well as accompanying feelings of depression and anxiety.

Practice Gratitude 

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we can lose sight of the wonderful blessings and fortune we are given, even in the small things. Practicing gratitude is a great way to center yourself, reorienting to focus on the good things in life, rather than the bad. How you do so is entirely up to you, and a very personal choice. Religious practices, mediation, and daily or weekly journaling are all popular and worthwhile ways to do so. 

Have a Daily Routine

Having a daily routine is a great way to make sure you are taking time for yourself, while also giving purpose and structure to your day. Joining a club, taking a class, or scheduling meals with friends and family are all great ways to give set points in time to build the rest of your morning or afternoon around. Smart practices include:

• Starting your day with stretches and/or meditation
• Remembering to eat throughout the day
• Spending time outside
• Putting down the electronics an hour before you plan to go to sleep

Your routine could include general time frames (eat breakfast in the morning, go on a walk in the afternoon) or set times (make a reservation at a restaurant, sign up for a class). The most important part is that your routine is something you enjoy and will keep up with! 

Support Your Mental Health at The Virginian

From regular exercise classes to clubs and lifelong learning, retirement communities like The Virginian in Fairfax, VA, provide countless ways to have a rich social life, relaxing atmosphere, and engaging activities. Visit our website and contact us to find out if our welcoming retirement community in northern Virginian is right for you.

Passion projects. Reading articles. Watching documentaries. Attending seminars or online courses. Lifelong learning can take many forms. According to a report by AARP, 55% of Americans ages 45+ are actively learning new skills and information, and 68% plan to in the future.

From mental acuity to enjoying daily life, here are 5 benefits of lifelong learning for seniors, and how retirement communities like The Virginian, located in Fairfax, VA, make lifelong learning easy and enjoyable:

Strengthen Cognitive Abilities

A key benefit to adult education and lifelong learning is keeping your brain active and supporting your mind’s cognitive abilities. Whether due to side effects of natural aging or being out of practice learning new skills, it can take longer for us to problem-solve and complete tasks as we age. Lifelong learning helps keep our minds sharp and ready to absorb new information, which can help combat symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive decline.

A Sense Of Accomplishment & Purpose

Another reason why lifelong learning is important in health is the personal fulfillment and purpose it can provide. Without a set schedule for your day, it can be easy to let the hours slip away. Lifelong learning gives your morning or afternoon structure, as well as new experiences to look forward to, goals to achieve, and increased confidence as you accomplish them. Discovering (or rediscovering!) a passion or interest is one of retirement’s greatest joys!

Decrease Your Stress

While learning calculus or world history may have been stressful for you in school, the good news about lifelong learning is that you choose which interests you want to pursue. Playing a musical instrument, crafting, learning a new sport, or enjoying a podcast are all amazing lifelong learning opportunities, and they can help lower your stress while also keeping your mind active (and if you do enjoy math or history, there are tons of great podcasts, articles, and books to choose from!).

Enjoy A Varied And Rich Social Life

Learning in retirement is also a great way to stay socially active and make new connections with friends and neighbors. Attending learning opportunities or group activities is a great way to expand your social network and meet those with similar interests to you, which can also reduce and prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Stay Engaged With The World Around You

Lifelong learning, especially understanding today’s technology, is a great way to stay informed and current with modern-day topics and innovations. New programs, gadgets, and online tools are continually being developed (including many specifically geared toward older adults!). Taking advantage of this technology can help you keep up with politics, world issues, scientific discoveries, and more.

Getting Started With Lifelong Learning

The good news when it comes to lifelong learning is that it can take many forms, and how you learn is up to you (in fact, by reading this article you’ve already started!). Here are a few easy ways to start lifelong learning today:

• Learn (or rediscover) a new hobby. YouTube is a great resource for all kinds of instructional and informational videos.

• Pick up an instrument.

• Join a sports team.

• Watch a documentary.

• Try a new recipe in the kitchen.

Lifelong Learning at The Virginian

The Virginian, located in Fairfax, VA, makes lifelong learning easy, enjoyable, and seamlessly part of your daily routine. Enjoy our campus, set on 32 acres of beautifully wooded and landscaped land, with daily exercise classes, sports courts, an extensive library, hobby groups, and much more!

We are proud to offer The Virginian Scholars Program, which encourages residents to earn credit hours for health and wellness activities both within our community and through outside educational organizations. Lectures are also available through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University, the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia Community College, and the online education platform MasterClass.

Our community’s rich activities calendar also features continuing education classes, volunteer programs, and a range of social groups, as well as our Fit Minds program which provides customized group brain exercises and activities for a wide range of cognitive abilities.

Contact us to learn more about our exciting and engaging community and schedule a tour to visit us in person.