Dear Seniors,
Happy Older Americans Month! As the seasons begin to shift and we welcome both the rain and the sunshine, I hope the showers of last month bring blossoming flowers into your life. May is always a special time of year; one we look forward to as we celebrate Older Americans Month.
The 2026 theme, Champion Your Health, highlights prevention, wellness, and personal responsibility as key pillars of healthy aging. It encourages each of us to take an active role in managing our health, whether that means scheduling preventive care, staying informed, or making daily choices that support our overall well-being.
As we recognize this important theme, I want to remind both seniors and caregivers that prioritizing your health is essential. This year, as a caregiver myself, I was reminded just how important it is to care for ourselves, too. I made a commitment to begin championing my own health by incorporating regular exercise and making small, intentional changes to my diet. These adjustments allowed me to regain control over areas of my life that I had not fully prioritized before. More importantly, it has helped me show up as my best self, not only for me, but for those who depend on and care about me.
I encourage each of you to join me in this commitment. Whether it is taking advantage of the many health and wellness resources offered through DACL’s senior wellness centers, participating in an exercise class, or simply enjoying a daily walk as the weather warms up, every step counts. Small changes can lead to meaningful, lasting impact.
Throughout this month, we are proud to offer a variety of opportunities to help you champion your health, including resource fairs, fitness classes, and wellness activities across the District. I encourage you to explore our Older Americans Month calendar to find events happening near you.
I am also excited to invite you to one of our most anticipated events of the season, Mayor Bowser’s “Senior Fest!” In partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), we will host this annual celebration on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the Gateway Pavilion (2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE). To register, please visit: https://seniorfest26.splashthat.com/.
As we celebrate this month together, I hope you feel empowered to take charge of your health, stay connected to your community, and continue thriving. Your well-being matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
In Service,
Charon P.W. Hines
Director, Department of Aging and Community Living