Earlier this month, the nation celebrated Public Health Awareness Week (April 6-12) fostering broader awareness and momentum on the health of all people and communities. Within that vein, we want to showcase an exciting event next month targeting similar goals for our region.

Please consider joining The Bon Secours Richmond Health System on Thursday, May 28th from 9am to 3pm at the West End Assembly of God forRichmond’s very first Successful Aging Forum. For many years, The Successful Aging Forum has been hosted in Hampton Roads, but now it is Richmond’s turn! The event will include health and wellness exhibitors, a physician/expert panel, and exercise session.

Perhaps the biggest attraction will be our keynote speaker – Ms. Mary WilsonMs. Mary Wilson is, of course, one of the original Supremes and she’ll be the featured presenter on May 28th. Wilson is well-known for over 10 hit singles such as “Baby Love” and “Stop! In the Name of Love.” She is also known for her solo career and world-wide humanitarian efforts. And most importantly, Wilson exemplifies what it means to be “aging supremely.” She is actively engaged, inspirational, and committed to giving back. Her warmth, compassion and care reaches out to audiences all over the world.

So, how would you like to spend the day with Mary Wilson formerly of the Supremes? Would you like to learn more about her journey to successful aging? The event will include a catered, seated lunch, exhibitors from all different industries in Richmond, door prizes, and the fabulous Mary Wilson. Come learn about a range of topics from Advanced Care Planning, Medication Management, Common Orthopedic problems to how you can promote your own Cardiovascular Wellness!

Please note the deadline for registration is rapidly approaching on Friday, May 8th. 

We look forward to seeing you in May!

When: Thursday, May 28, 2015
Where: West End Assembly of God, 401 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Cost: $30 (Includes lunch)
Register in Advance: Call 1(888)490-9355 or go to http://www.bsvaf.org/successfulagingforum to register. Registration in advance only.

Last year, Greater Richmond, participated in the first ever Active Aging Week, an annual health promotion event led by the International Council on Active Aging during the week of September. The week was a huge success in RVA with over 40 community partners and countless events across the region. This year, we expect nothing less- with the theme “Live your Adventure.”
Now in 2015, Active Aging Week is getting an early start- as active aging can take place year round! The festivities began on April 1st with the pilot of an Indoor 5K Activity Challenge. The pilot is just the beginning of a much larger regional movement of individuals challenging themselves to stay physically active.  As one goal is finished, individuals will be able to continue “living the adventure”  by potentially challenging themselves to the 8K or even the 10K. The Indoor Activity Challenges will take place at sites in the following localities:

• Goochland
• Powhatan
• Charles City
• Henrico
• Chesterfield
• and the City of Richmond.

For a full list of site locations and a regional map please visit: www.facebook.com/RVAActiveAgingWeek.

The 8 week long, 5K training guide has been developed based on the Sports Backers 10K Training Guide. For those of you who are not walkers, the guide is more about activity rather than the distance. Participants are encourage to be active and condition rather than compete. And you can start the training at any time. The great thing about our guide is that it is meant for all levels of activity. Whether you are a beginner or an expert- you pick the intensity. Participants also receive a bag at sign-up including a training guide, pedometer, cookbook, water bottle, t-shirt and a pledge card. Upon completion of the Indoor 5K Activity Challenge on May 19th, we will celebrate all of our participants at Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging’s Annual Open House.

Managing partners of this 5K Activity Challenge include CareMore, Sports Backers, Senior Connections, VCU’s Department of Gerontology, YMCA of Greater Richmond, and the Greater Richmond Age Wave.

Are you Interested in being involved in Active Aging Week and/or our 5K Activity Challenge?We are in search of organizations to host events throughout the week! September 27th- October 3rd will be a week filled with events and we would like you and your organization to consider joining us. The UCI Road World Championship is the week before Active Aging Week. The city will be “newly reopened” so let’s stay active! With close to 100 events in 2014 we would like to surpass that 100 event mark!

For more information on hosting an event, sponsoring, or participating in Active Aging Week, email [email protected] or 804-828-1565

Are we ready, Richmond, to live the adventure?