Fall is officially here! The temperatures are getting cooler, the leaves are beginning to change, and we are settling into a new season across the District. As we welcome all that autumn brings, it is also a wonderful time to reflect on how we closed out September, celebrating, connecting, and helping District seniors continue to live safely and boldly in the communities they call home.
We ended last month by recognizing Falls Prevention Awareness Month. In partnership with Home Care Partners, Trinity Washington University, The George Washington University, and Howard University, District seniors participated in two days of Falls Prevention Awareness activities focused on helping older adults stay safe, healthy, and independent.
More than 600 participants received screenings for balance, strength, vision, blood pressure, and medication management. Seniors also participated in educational sessions on fall recovery, prevention strategies, and other important topics. Programs like these give older adults practical tools and resources to help them remain active and continue aging in place in the homes and communities they know and love. Thank you to all who attended and helped make this event possible.
September also gave us the opportunity to celebrate some of our city’s most treasured residents during Mayor Bowser’s 40th Annual Centenarian Salute. This year’s celebration honored more than 50 District centenarians ages 100 and older, alongside their families and loved ones. We were especially honored to recognize Ms. Evangeline Paredes, the District’s oldest resident at 110 years old. Our centenarians remind us of the strength, wisdom, resilience, and rich history that make Washington, DC such a special place to call home.
As we move into October, I also want to remind everyone of the importance of staying informed and prepared. October 3rd is World Romance Scam Prevention Day, and this year’s campaign centers on the theme “See. Hear. Understand.” The campaign encourages us to look beyond what happened to a victim and recognize how scammers deliberately build trust, manipulate emotions, and exploit their targets.
Scams can happen to anyone, and there should be no shame in asking for help. Take time to talk with your family, friends, and neighbors about the warning signs of fraud. For more information about romance scams, visit advocatingforu.com. If you believe you or a loved one may be experiencing financial exploitation, abuse, neglect, or another form of harm, please contact DACL’s Adult Protective Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 202-541-3950.
As we enjoy the cooler weather and beauty of the season, let us continue looking out for ourselves and one another. Stay connected, stay informed, and most importantly, continue to Live Boldly.
In service,
Charon P.W. Hines
Director
DC Department of Aging and Community Living
