Healthy Aging

According to the National Institute on Aging, the factors that account for healthy aging include improving diet, increasing levels of physical activity, getting regular health screenings and managing risk factors for disease (check out our Managing Health section). In addition, the NIA says that participating in social activities and volunteering are ways to stay healthy as we age.

Diet

Lifelong Learning

Physical Activity

Social Activity

Volunteering

Diet

As hypertension and high cholesterol are two of the most common chronic diseases for older Americans, a healthy diet is important. Cooking classes specifically geared to healthy eating for seniors online or in-person are often offered through Fairfax County Adult Education. The Herndon Senior Center often offers healthy eating tips as well and a place where you can share a lunch with others. My Plate is an online guide to a healthy diet for seniors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The National Institute on Aging’s article on Healthy Eating is also worth a read.

Fairfax County offers a Meals on Wheels program that is especially for those over age 60 who have a disability who cannot shop or prepare meals for themselves. 703-324-5409 TTY 711.

Perhaps thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Reston’s grocery stores including Giant, Harris Teeter, Safeway and Whole Foods offer delivery services or in-store pickup services. Amazon Prime also offers home delivery services.

Lifelong Learning

Studies show that learning something new such as a skill or hobby can help boost your memory. Virginia allows older adults over age 60 to audit courses for free at state colleges and universities. Locally, additional lifelong learning organizations offer two education models. One charges a single yearly fee for enrollment in multiple courses, while a second requires an upfront fee and separate per course charges.

• Aging Matters is a weekly radio program presenting interviews with guests who provide information about aging-related topics for older adults and their families. You can find the program on the website’s radio page and as podcast episodes on Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms.

• Encore Learning. Based in Arlington, VA, Encore Learning offers a variety of college-level noncredit courses, clubs, special events and activities to help meet the continuing educational and social interests of anyone over age 50, regardless of residence location. For a nominal yearly membership fee, older adults may enroll in any number of offerings at a per-course charge. (703) 228-2144

• Lifelong Learning Institute of Northern Virginia. Affiliated with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI/NOVA) provides continuing educational and cultural opportunities to those 50 years of age or older. One annual membership fee enables individuals to register for courses, attend forum meetings, and participate in other LLI/NOVA-sponsored events and activities; certain activities require additional fees. (703) 323-3746

• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI). Sponsored through George Mason University, OLLI offers discussion groups to individuals in their retirement years. Topics include current events, art and music, languages and more. One annual dues payment covers an unlimited number of courses and special events as space is available. Sites for in-person classes are in Reston, Fairfax and at Loudoun sites. (703) 503-3384

• Road Scholar. This non-profit provides lifelong learning adventures in the US and around the world. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. (800) 454-5768

• Virtual Center for Active Adults. Fairfax County’s Virtual Center aims to enrich the lives of adults in Fairfax County while combatting isolation. You can watch programs or participate in activities on your own schedule. (703) 324-4600 TTY 711

Physical Activity

Reston was designed to promote outdoor activities and is considered a walkable community by WalkScore. There are 115 miles of walking and biking trails as well as hikes nearby such as in Lake Fairfax Park & Riverbend Park as well as state and national parks nearby. The paved W & O Bike Trail runs through Reston.

The National Institute on Aging has good, evidence-based articles on exercise and physical activity.

• Fairfax County has a Virtual Center for Active Adults on YouTube that includes dozens of recorded videos on topics ranging from yoga to fall prevention. Its goal is to alleviate isolation and loneliness. The County also has a TV channel (16) that broadcast yoga and tai chi classes and you can view prerecorded programs.

• Reston National Golf. This public 18-hole course in South Reston provides instruction and practice facilities. (703) 620-9333

• Hidden Creek Country Club. This private 18-hole course also offers a pool, indoor and outdoor tennis, as well as a clubhouse and fitness center. It is by membership only. (703) 437-3633

• Reston Association. The association offers tennis and swimming instruction for all ages and access to its many pools and tennis courts with annual membership passes. There are also tennis and pickleball leagues as well as informal senior tennis round robins. (703) 435-6530

• Reston Community Centers. They offer yoga, tai chi, strength and Zumba, art and craft classes and special trips for seniors. There is an indoor swimming pool at Hunters Woods. There are discounts for older adults for some programming. (703) 476-4500 TTY: 711

• Reston Bike Club. This is a volunteer non-profit club with over 1,200 members and sponsors bicycle rides and social events for all levels and abilities. (571) 445-5993

• Reston Runners. A non-profit membership organization, Reston Runners operates run/walks for all ages and skill levels on weekdays and on weekends. info@restonrunners.org

• Walker Nature Center. The Nature Center provides a place where you can walk on quiet, wooded trails and participate in educational programs at its facility.

• YMCA. The Reston Y offers health and fitness, diabetes prevention, group exercise as well as wellness services as part of its membership fee. (703) 742-8800

Social Activity

For far too many older adults, loneliness and boredom are problems that can lead to depression. Research shows that socialization is very important as we age in maintaining healthy aging.

Reston includes dozens of churches and two synagogues as well as a nearby mosque that offer natural places for social interaction with others of all ages. Many include special groups for older adults that may offer rides and other helping services.

• AARP. The Fairfax chapter offers social engagement, volunteer opportunities as well as a number of online activitiesFor .

• Encore Chorale. Reston residents regularly sing with the Fairfax Encore Chorale.

•  Fairfax Master Gardeners. The Fairfax County Master Gardeners Association is a nonprofit whose volunteers provide horticultural information to home gardeners in the county. (703) 324-5369

• Herndon Senior Center. Open to Reston residents, the senior center serves as a focal point for older adults by providing a continuum of services in a supportive environment that meet social, physical, emotional and intellectual needs. It offers congregate meals where you can connect with others and enjoy an affordable lunch Monday through Friday. (703) 464-6200

• Reston Association. The association offers a number of events for older adults from Senior Movie Day to day trips to see sports or theater in DC.

• Reston Community Players is a nonprofit all-volunteer community theater company that seeks volunteers to mount its productions including the need for ushers.

• Reston Garden Club. Since 1970, this membership organization encourages interest in home gardening, better horticultural practices, flower arranging, civic beautification and conservation.

• Reston Useful Services Exchange. For a small membership fee, the Exchange offers social events throughout the year.

• Walker Nature Center. The Nature Center provides a place where you can walk on quiet, wooded trails and participate in educational programs at its facility.

• Reston Regional Library. It is one of the busiest libraries in the county and offers a number of educational programs. (703) 689-2700 TTY 711

Volunteering

There is a rich tradition of voluntarism in Reston and many opportunities for people of all ages to help older residents in need.

• AARP Virginia. The state chapter provides listings of volunteer opportunities in Northern Virginia.

• RSVP NOVA. For older adults who are able to volunteer, RSVP supports local food pantries provides transportation for seniors; mentors children and adults in financial literacy; and delivers meals. (703) 246-3460

• Volunteer Fairfax. This nonprofit mobilizes people and resources to meet community needs and its website includes many opportunities for getting involved, including AmeriCorps Seniors and RSVP Virginia. (703) 246-3460

• Volunteer Match. There are more than 3,500 organizations in the Reston area with volunteer opportunities waiting to be filled. This site provides an online listing.