We are all getting older, and with that come new challenges and opportunities for people in every community. Among the challenges: building a support network to help senior citizens stay in their own homes, providing social outlets so people can interact and share a meal, dealing with new health issues such as immobility and dementia, and addressing financial concerns. Among the opportunities: building a strong local community of senior citizens who enjoy each other’s company, providing new ways for younger residents to provide transportation and fellowship to their nearby older neighbors, and learning about new ways to shape local services.

There is a growing interest in all of these issues in Great Falls. To provide an overview of them -- both challenges and opportunities -- the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) is sponsoring a special forum on Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. until noon. This "Seminar for Savvy Seniors and their Families" is free and open to the public. It will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 10550 Georgetown Pike. Local speakers, including Dranesville Supervisor John Foust, and representatives from the Great Falls Senior Center, Shepherd's Center of Great Falls and Dementia Friendly America will discuss all of these salient issues. Full details and a list of all speakers are on the GFCA website: http://www.gfca.org. There will be a time with light refreshments after the presentations for residents to speak individually with the speakers.

We hope Great Falls senior citizens will benefit from this seminar and we hope their younger families and friends will learn about ways in which they can help. There is ample parking behind the church, but seating is limited. We hope a good cross section of the community can attend.

Bill Canis, President

Great Falls Citizens Association