Independent You

With the Olympics underway, many families with seniors are more excited about the games than ever. Fortunately, when the final games are complete next weekend, Olympic fever does not have to end in the Northern Virginia area just yet. In a few months, the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics will take place in eleven counties and cities. In fact, the program is celebrating its 50th year.

What are the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics?

The Northern Virginia Senior Olympics is an event that promotes fitness and health (physically and mentally) for senior adults. Seniors can partake in numerous activities, many of which are featured in the London 2012 games.

When are the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics?

This year, the Senior Olympics will run from September 15-26.

What Kinds of Games are Featured in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics?

Many traditional Olympic games are featured, such as swimming, tennis, javelin throw, and track/field. In addition, the Senior Olympics include fun activities that are not featured in the Olympic Games, including:

• Golf & Miniature Golf
• Yo-Yo tournaments
• Bridge
• Bowling (real and Wii versions!)
• Team Line Dance
• Bunco
• Scrabble

Who Can Participate in the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics?

Olympic activities are open to all residents ages 50 years and older who live in a sponsoring jurisdiction. Anyone who prefers not to participate in the games can volunteer at the events. Volunteering is also open to participants who are not competing in an event.

How Do I Register for the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics?

Participants can register online. They must complete and sign the entire form, along with credit card payment. The deadline for online registration is September 4. Alternatively, they can print out the form, complete it, and mail it; the form must be postmarked by September 1.

Some, but not all, events have on-site registration.

How Much is the Registration Fee for the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics?

The registration fee is only $12 for as many events as the senior wants to enter. However, there are additional fees for golf and bowling events.

Where Can I Find More Information About the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics?

Visit the official Northern Virginia Senior Olympics website for more information on the Olympics and to register online.

My Senior Cannot Drive. Is There a Way He/She Can Arrive at the Event Locations?

Don’t worry-Independent You has transportation services for Northern Virginia senior citizens! Your senior will arrive at the event locations for a low price, and you can be assured that our drivers are fully insured and have completed background checks.

Enjoy watching the Olympic Games from now til next week, but remember that Olympic times don’t have to end in Northern Virginia. Letting your seniors attend the Senior Olympics in September will inspire them to go for the gold!

Right now you may be going on summer vacations and attending summer holiday gatherings . Perhaps you and your senior loved one are getting ready to watch the Summer Olympics on television. If you are, you may have seen the commercial for the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Walk to End Alzheimer’s”. You may be wondering, “What is this walk all about?” “When is the walk?” “Is the walk located where I live?”

If you’re interested in walking for Alzheimer’s awareness (either because you or someone you know has a senior living with Alzheimer’s), read on for details on this event sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association.

What is The “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” Event?

Held annually, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the United States’ largest event to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research, care, and support. Its purpose is to offer support and care for individuals and families affected with Alzheimer’s disease each year, and, eventually, end Alzheimer’s altogether.

The best part is that it’s not just “1″ walk- it’s over 100 across the country! In fact, there are more than 600 walks held in various communities each year!

Where and When Are the Alzheimer’s Walks in Northern Virginia?

There will be 3 “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” events in the Northern Virginia area this fall:

1. Reston: 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Candlelight Rally in Northern Virginia (Sept. 30)
2. Manassas: 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Prince William County – Manassas, VA (Oct. 13)
3. Washington, D.C.: 2012 Walk to End Alzheimer’s in the Nation’s Capital – Washington, DC (Oct. 27)

Should I Register If I Want to Participate in An Alzheimer’s Walk Event?

The Alzheimer’s Association would like you to register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event of your choice because they want to know that you’re enthusiastic about Alzheimer’s awareness! You can register in 1 of  2 ways:

• Online: look for the event you want to attend, choose 1 of the 3 participation options (Form a Team, Join a Team, or Walk as an Individual), and follow the steps to complete the registration
• Print and complete an offline registration form: you can find it at alz.org/walk

How Do I Create a Team to Participate in  A ”Walk to End Alzheimer’s” Event With Me?

The Association makes it simple to create a Walk team of your own online. After you find your local Walk, click “Start A Team.” Becoming the Team captain, you can ask family, friends, and coworkers to join your team. Though there’s no limit of how many people can be on your team, the Association recommends teams of 8-12 individuals.

I Want to Start Fundraising for “Walk to End Alzheimer’s.”

There are 2 ways you can raise funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s event:

• When you become a Team captain, you’ll have access to a team fundraising page and other tools to help you and your teams raise money for Alzheimer’s
• If you choose the Walk as an Individual option, you can share your own Alzheimer’s story on your personal Walk to End Alzheimer’s  fundraising webpage. Then, share your page with others by email, social networking, and word of mouth.

I Cannot Participate in A ”Walk to End Alzheimer’s” This Year, But I Want To Donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.

You can quickly and easily submit donations to the Alzheimer’s Association if you cannot or would not like to participate in the Alzheimer’s Walk. You can make your donation in 1 of 3 ways:

• Make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association online.
• Submitting a money order or check by mail
• Hand-delivering check, cash, and money orders to your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter.

Spend some fun time in the sun with your senior loved one, but make sure he or she doesn’t stay out too long. (lots of cool air and water will make your senior happy!) However, if you want to attend a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event in your area, the time to plan is now. Before you know it, temperatures will drop and the leaves will too.