Category: Blog

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.

Living in a modern retirement community gives you access to a wide range of amenities — and the free time to enjoy all of them. Looking to get the most out of your post-work years? These are the amenities and services to look for in a modern senior living community:

Luxurious Residences

When it comes to today’s retirement communities, there are so many luxurious at-home senior living amenities to choose from and look forward to. At The Virginian, residents enjoy spacious, comfortable apartments with fully equipped kitchens, large walk-in closets, and bright natural lighting — all in a range of layouts to choose from. 

Ready for an elevated level of luxury? The exclusive Concierge Club residences at The Virginian boast a wide range of five-star, hotel-level amenities, including remote-controlled blinds, a porcelain tile foyer, and quartz countertops.

Delicious Dining

Choose from a wide selection of incomparable menu options, with a variety of meal experiences including casual or quick bites as well as fine dining and intimate gatherings. Spend less time grocery shopping, and more time making memories with friends, family and loved ones.

On-Campus Amenities

At The Virginian, a world of opportunities is waiting just outside your front door. Enjoy daily exercise classes and state-of-the-art equipment at our on-site fitness center, an indoor hi-tech golf simulator to practice your swing, a spa and hair salon to help you relax, and so much more! Clubs, team sports, art classes, an extensive library, guest speakers, holiday parties — they’re all here for you to enjoy!

Easily Accessible Services

Need help with your computer? Have linens that need to be done? Life in a modern senior living community gives you access to a plethora of services, all designed to make your life easier. Residents at The Virginian enjoy regular housekeeping, ongoing home & grounds maintenance, fitness & nutrition support, and 24/7 emergency services. Enjoy your retirement, free from the worries and hassle of everyday life.

The Key To Aging in Place

One of the most important amenities you’ll find at modern senior living communities is the peace of mind and ability to build your own lifestyle, knowing you have the flexibility to age in place. Apartments at The Virginian feature zero-step entryways and walk-in showers, with additional support services and a continuum of care available if you need a helping hand in the future.

Enjoy an Enhanced Lifestyle at The Virginian

Elevate your life and enjoy your post-work years to the fullest! The modern amenities of today’s retirement communities give you the means and the time to enjoy your retirement how you want. Relax in luxury, sign up for a class, have a meal with friends — your day is yours to enjoy with The Virginian’s maintenance-free lifestyle. Contact us and come see our community for yourself!

Maintaining a rich social life is essential for a healthy mind and body, whether you’re a child, have children, or have grandchildren. As poet Edward Young aptly put it, “Friendship’s the wine of life.” Or, as author Linda Grayson said, “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.”

At The Virginian in Fairfax, VA, residents experience the best of independent senior living with abundant opportunities to stay social. The Virginian offers an amenities-rich campus featuring a fitness center, range of educational and exercise classes, and a wide variety of activities and programs for seniors. 

Read on to discover why social interaction is crucial, the benefits of social activities for  seniors, and explore the incredible senior social activities available at The Virginian.

Improved Emotional Health

Regular social engagement plays a crucial role in reducing the risk and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders among seniors. Whether interacting face-to-face or through phone calls, spending time with friends, family, and loved ones significantly boosts emotional and overall health. This is because an active social life stimulates the amygdala, the brain region responsible for emotions and memories, which is essential for positive mood regulation and emotional well-being. Therefore, retirement communities that provide engaging social activities are crucial to help social connections for seniors, promoting both mental and emotional health.

Better Memory and Cognitive Function

Social activities for seniors offer numerous benefits, including sharpening memory skills and strengthening the brain. Keeping up conversations with friends and family maintains and builds neural networks within the brain, contributing to both short- and long-term memory retention. Additionally, socializing fosters meaningful relationships, which are key to living a fulfilling and engaging life.

Stronger Physical Health

Participating in social activities for seniors can also significantly lower the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Group activities such as walking, biking, and exercise classes not only encourage physical movement and healthy habits but also offer therapeutic benefits through social bonding with neighbors and friends. At The Virginian, residents enjoy a variety of engaging amenities, including a fitness center, a robust activities calendar, and group sports and exercise classes.

Ways to Get Started

Here are some simple, everyday ways to expand and enrich your social life:

• Participate in group activities and clubs: Explore joining a crafting class, exercise program, or sports team. These activities offer excellent opportunities to meet new people and form lasting friendships based on shared interests.
• Share meals with friends and family: Take advantage of mealtimes as an opportunity to reconnect, plan your day, or share memories of your latest adventures.
• Volunteer or fundraise for local organizations: Meet like-minded individuals who share your passions while simultaneously giving back to your community.

There Are So Many Social Opportunities at The Virginian!

Senior living communities give you countless social opportunities, perfect for maintaining old friendships and forging new ones. With a variety of clubs, sports, restaurant-style meals, and group activities, retirement communities like The Virginian help you to share, laugh, and socialize with those around you through beneficial social activities for seniors. Visit our website and contact us to find out if our welcoming retirement community is the right fit for you.

With Memorial Day in the past and warm days all around, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the nice weather. The Virginian and our larger Fairfax, VA, community offer numerous opportunities to enjoy some time outside and find cool indoor spots when the afternoon sun becomes too intense. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the summer weather (while staying safe!).

Start Early to Avoid the Heat!

As the day progresses temperatures will rise, which is why it’s wise to plan your outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day. Enjoy the fresh morning air before it gets too hot or humid, or take advantage of the cooler evening hours once the sun has started to set. Thankfully there’s so much to do right on our campus! Relax at one of the Virginian’s beautiful outdoor patios or take a stroll along our miles of walking paths. Have a four-legged friend? Enjoy a morning or evening walk at our dog park — Central Bark!

Our community is also centrally located with easy access to Washington, D.C. and the surrounding Northern Virginia Area. Summer in Fairfax, VA, has so many things to do! Enjoy biking, golfing, and fishing in the great outdoors, or head to the nation’s capital for the National Mall, parks, and anything else you could desire under the (hopefully not too hot!) sun. 

If you do find yourself outdoors in the afternoon or heat of the day, opt for shaded areas and paths. Also be sure to bring along a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. It’s easy to become dehydrated or sunburned when it’s hot, which is why summer safety for seniors is crucial.

Take the Fun Indoors

When the sun is too hot or rain is pouring down, thankfully there’s still so much to do. Practice your swing at our cutting-edge golf simulator, tour our private Art Gallery, or have a bite with friends at one of our many eating establishments. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or pub fare, our chefs are always serving up something special, and there are so many indoor summer activities for seniors to enjoy. Afterwards, head over to our Elysium Wellness Center, where you can relax for an hour or two before continuing your day feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

For more entertainment, head to Fairfax, VA or Washington, DC for museums, art galleries, live concerts and theaters, and a spectacular array of nightlife! 

Spend the Day With Friends!

Happiness loves company! Some of summer’s most cherished memories are the ones spent with loved ones. The Virginian has so many ways to get together with friends. Gather together at one of our BBQ or fire pits and enjoy the sweet night air, or take to the pickleball or bocce court for a friendly game. Appreciate the finer things in life at The Virginian’s Wine Cellar and open up a bottle of your favorite vintage. Want to head off-campus? Explore Fairfax, VA, or Washington, D.C., where you’ll find an energetic dining scene, refined shows and music, and so much more!

Enjoy the Best of Summer at The Virginian

Summer is one of the most enjoyable seasons of the year. Enjoy the benefits of maintenance-free living at The Virginian with the freedom to spend your time however you choose. Whether you want to pick up a new hobby, explore the local area, or make new friends, there are endless opportunities available. Contact us today to see if our welcoming and refined senior living community in Fairfax, VA, is the perfect place for you.

Living at a luxury senior living community like The Virginian unlocks the best retirement living has to offer. Upgrade and update your daily life with high-class services and amenities throughout both your home and community.

Luxurious Community Amenities 

Life at The Virginian gives you access to a wide range of community amenities, all available right outside your front door. Located on over 32 beautifully wooded acres and landscaped greenspaces, our campus is a beautiful resort-like community in Fairfax, VA, with easy access to the nearby Washington, DC area. For the food lover, enjoy our wide range of dining options, including the lavish Rock Creek Grill and private wine cellar. Want to relax? Pamper yourself whenever you want at The Virginian’s on-site spa, offering hair, nail, and massage services. Our state-of-the-art fitness center gives you access to skilled trainers and daily classes including aerobics, Tai Chi, and more. You can also practice your swing with our high-tech golf simulator, letting you take to the links without leaving home. 

An Elevated Style of Living

From the moment you arrive home, the all-new residences at The Virginian invite you to relax and unwind how you like. With open floor plans, modern appliances, large picture windows, and optional balconies, you’ll recline in comfort among the same sophisticated services and amenities you’d expect to find in a high-end boutique hotel. Carpeted bedrooms and wood flooring throughout the kitchen and living areas give an elevated level of sophistication to your home, with open kitchen layouts perfect for entertaining. 

Maintenance-free Lifestyle

Say goodbye to raking the lawn or shoveling snow. Life at The Virginian takes care of the chores, so you can spend your time how you wish. Enjoy hassle-free days with cleaning services, housekeeping options, and catered food. Your time is your own. Pick up a new hobby, or revisit a previous one. Spend time with loved ones and explore beautiful Old Town Fairfax and Northern Virginia areas. There’s so much to do, and with maintenance-free living, you have the time to do it all. 

Chef-Prepared Food Everyday

Don’t feel like cooking? Choose from one of The Virginian’s many dining options, with luxurious meals at the Rock Creek Grill, farm-to-table ingredients in the Stonehouse Dining Room, and casual bites at the Latitude 77 bistro. Catch a game and catch up with friends at The Clubhouse, The Virginian’s own friendly neighborhood bar, or enjoy a glass of wine in The Wine Cellar. 

Concierge Club: Take Refinement to a New Level

For the discerning resident, our elevated Concierge Club offers an unmatched level of sophistication and luxury. Exclusive 5th-floor residences feature five-star amenities that welcome you home with unparalleled comfort and elegance. Enjoy smart thermostats and lighting, remote-controlled window blinds, and a personal technology package featuring a 55” 4K Smart TV and iPad Air. Surround yourself in refinement with quartz countertops, Moen faucets, and crown molding throughout your home, and relax in luxury with complimentary butler service and weekly dry-cleaning services delivered directly to your door. 

From exclusive wine tastings featuring Virginia’s finest vintages to intimate chef’s table dinners showcasing gourmet cuisine, Concierge Club members experience an unparalleled level of convenience and services. Elevate your retirement with:

• Butler service, including appointment scheduling, dry cleaning, mail and package delivery to your room, and toiletry and sundry items replacement
• Daily exclusive happy hours at the 5th-floor Rock Creek Grill
• Monthly wine club membership or monthly beer club membership
• Chocolate Box of the Month Club or Fruit of the Month Club
• Monthly floral arrangements
• Drink service to 5th-floor common areas
• Valet parking for resident and resident guests

Live Your Best Retirement at The Virginian

Life at The Virginian gives you access to all the best parts of retirement living — and then some! Contact us to learn more and discover if our luxury senior living community in Fairfax, VA, is right for you and see how The Virginian is redefining retirement. 

Participating in arts and crafts is not merely a leisure activity. It’s a way to express individuality and creativity while also engaging the mind. Art is a unique, valuable skill and hobby, especially for many older adults.

At The Virginian, a premier senior living community, we understand the positive impact creative expression has on our residents’ lives. Painting, drawing, and other art projects for seniors are not only beneficial but essential. This is particularly true for those navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other memory-related impairments.

How Art Improves the Lives of Older Adults

Drawing, crafting, painting, and art in general helps seniors thrive after retirement. Being creative can improve cognitive function and bring joy and a sense of accomplishment to a person’s life. For example, the benefits of painting for seniors are quite extensive.

Why is painting good for you, you may ask? It’s an exercise in cognitive flexibility, hand-eye coordination, and using problem solving skills. It also stimulates various parts of the brain that may not normally be utilized, encouraging the formation of new neural connections. For those with dementia, it can even act as a bridge for communication, allowing individuals to better express their thoughts and feelings.

Crafting Happiness and Good Health

Creating art helps to reduce stress and boredom in people of all ages. For seniors at The Virginian, many community members feel pride after completing art projects. These achievements help instill a strong sense of purpose and self-worth, contributing to overall happiness and satisfaction.

How Art Promotes Engagement

For our seniors, painting classes can be a way to make new friends and social connections. Writing can fuel the imagination and help build communication skills that allow individuals to engage more fully with others. Those who take up photography can meet new friends and engage with neighbors by sharing their work.

No matter what artistic avenue you explore, we believe you will always find value that goes beyond your talents and skills. By tackling artistic endeavors, you will also get to share your passion with others and build friendships.

How We Encourage Artistic Expression

At The Virginian, we don’t just provide art supplies to our residents; we cultivate an environment where creativity blooms.

We understand the benefits of art for seniors and actively promote a culture where residents are encouraged to explore various art forms. We ensure every individual has the opportunity to engage in art classes taught by talented instructors. We even have a gallery where community members can display their work.

In the name of fostering a community of creativity and support, encouraging artistic expression is a core part of our philosophy. We believe the health benefits of arts and crafts for seniors are endless. By encouraging creativity, we aim to fight cognitive decline, relieve stress, and reduce negative emotions.

The Virginian: An Independent Living Community For Art Lovers

Choosing a senior living community that values and integrates art into its culture is vital. If you’re looking for a place where you or a loved one can thrive after retirement, visit The Virginian. We pride ourselves on creating a vibrant, artistic environment that celebrates the creativity of all residents.

By fostering artistic expression, we help enhance the quality of life for our seniors. We also create a tapestry of memories and experiences that further enrich our community.

In embracing art and creative processes, The Virginian is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to flourish. Learn more about our social activities and community when you contact us today.

Embracing Active Senior Living

As we age, staying active and maintaining physical fitness becomes more important than ever. Regular exercise can significantly enhance our quality of life, improve health outcomes, and add years to our lifespan. In this blog post, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of staying active and provide practical tips for incorporating exercise into your daily routine.

The Amazing Health Benefits of Exercise

• Improved Mental Health: Engaging in regular physical activity can boost mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and improve cognitive function.
• Enhanced Mobility and Balance: Exercise helps to maintain flexibility, improve balance, and strengthen muscles, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
• Better Heart Health: Staying active can lower the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
• Increased Longevity: Regular exercise can add years to your life by reducing the risk of chronic disease.
• Social Interaction: Group fitness classes and community activities provide opportunities for socializing and building relationships.

Exercises for Seniors – Staying Fit After 60

The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week to promote overall health. This can be accomplished with 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week, and you may want to consider the following exercise routines as ways to reach that goal.

However, you must consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program.

• Walking: Start with a daily walk around your neighborhood or local park. Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be easily adjusted to your fitness level.
• Swimming: Swimming is a fantastic full-body workout that is gentle on the joints.
• Yoga or Tai Chi: These low-impact exercises are excellent for improving flexibility, balance, and mental focus. Look for senior-friendly yoga or tai chi classes in your area.
• Cycling: Riding either a stationary bike or a regular bike at a moderate pace is a joint-friendly and heart-healthy form of exercise.
• Strength Training: Incorporate light weight lifting or resistance band exercises to build strength, prevent muscle loss, and support joint health.
• Group Fitness Classes: These classes often include a mix of cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises and provide an excellent opportunity for social interaction.

Embracing an active lifestyle and exercise regimen, no matter your age, can significantly improve your overall well-being and happiness. Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine can lead to better health, increased longevity, and a more vibrant and fulfilling life. So, lace up those sneakers, find an activity you enjoy, and start reaping the benefits of staying fit and fabulous in your retirement years!

Explore Active Living Options at The Virginian

The Virginian is located near beautiful, historic Old Town Fairfax where you’ll enjoy an extensive selection of dining and shopping opportunities. Additionally, our community offers a variety of residential options as well as various levels of health care. We invite you to schedule a tour of The Virginian to check out all we have to offer to anyone looking for their next life’s adventure.