The County and its Partners Team Up to Keep You in the Game

Montgomery County Celebrates Active Aging Week October 5^th through 11^th
During this week, individuals are invited to attend free programs and activities to help Go, Grow and Get Active!

The week will kick off with a signature event, “Go, Grow and Get Active.”
Monday, October 5^th from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm – check in starts at 9:00 am
Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center
13850 Travilah Road, Rockville
9:30 am to 12:00 pm Wellness Programs and Activities
9:30 am to 1:30 pm Health Fair
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm Vendor Fair

Registration is required for the signature event, and it can be completed at this link: 
Activity Information - Active Aging Week Signature Event
To learn more about changing the way you age, visit Active Aging Week.

Oasis Offers Free Events
The mission of Washington Metro Oasis (located in Macy’s Home Store, 2^nd floor, 7125 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda) is to offer a unique mix of lifelong learning, social, health, and volunteer programs. The full schedule is here, or you can call 240-800-3745 or email WashingtonMetro@OasisNet.org to request a printed catalog. Scholarships are available.

Steady on Your Feet: Balance, Gait & the Fear of Falling
Wednesday, October 7^th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
At Oasis
A physical therapist breaks down the walking pattern changes that signal rising fall risk, plus fun, practical balance challenges you can safely try at home. This program is generously supported by the Frederick H. Bowis Community Fund. Register here.

Coffee Chat with Oasis Staff
Thursday, October 8^th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
At Oasis
This casual meet-and-greet is the perfect chance to get to know fellow members, ask questions, and learn more about what Oasis has to offer. Register here.

Staying Safe in Montgomery County: Updates on Policing Priorities and Personal Safety for Older Adults
Wednesday, October 21^st from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
At Oasis
Commander Amy Daum of the Montgomery County Police Department’s 2nd District will provide an overview of current policing priorities in the county, including recent successes, ongoing challenges, and emerging crime patterns. This program is generously supported by the Frederick H. Bowis Community Fund. Register here.

Wellness Wednesday: Monthly Guided Meditation
Wednesdays, monthly, October 21^st through December 16^th from 3:45 pm to 4:00 pm
Online
Take a mindful pause and join us once a month for a 15-minute guided meditation designed to help you reduce stress, restore balance, and support your overall well-being. Register here. 

2026 Age-Friendly EcoSystem Summit
Don’t miss these free educational events, each only two hours long. Learn from and be inspired by expert speakers! Gain an understanding of how we can work together to ensure all community members live long and healthy lives.

Thursday, October 8^th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
From Age-Friendly Initiatives to Longevity-Readiness: Strategies to Navigate Challenges Speakers include Liz Woodward of the Maryland Department of Aging.

Thursday, October 15^th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The Invisible Workforce: Care Partners in Crisis and the Path Forward
Speakers include our own Ruth Kershner, Program Manager of Montgomery County’s Family Caregiver Support Program.

Thursday, October 22^nd from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Mind Matters: Prioritizing Brain Health Across the Age-Friendly Ecosystem
Speakers include Dr. Becca Levy, a Yale University researcher in social gerontology.

Thursday, October 29^th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
More Than Shelter: Housing, Loneliness, and Social Connection
Speakers include Samar Jha, AARP's Director of Livable Communities.

Register here.

George Washington University's Center for Aging, Health and Humanities hosts the annual Age-Friendly Ecosystem Summit, planned in partnership with Age-Friendly Alexandria, Arlington, DC, Howard County, Hyattsville, Montgomery County, Orange County, NC, AARP NC Coastal Region, and the Georgetown Center for Healthy Aging.

Medicare Open Enrollment & SHIP Medicare Seminars
Medicare Open Enrollment for Medicare Drug Plans Runs October 15^th through December 7^th. If you have Original Medicare, the Montgomery County SHIP can compare your current Medicare drug plan to other plan options for 2027 to find the best value for your specific needs. Even if you are happy with your current Medicare drug plan, check to see if you could save money by switching plans. This is a free service. Visit MedicareABCD.org or call 301-255-4250 to request a free, unbiased drug plan comparison.

SHIP also offers free monthly “Understanding Your Medicare Choices” seminars at Montgomery County libraries. Join SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for free monthly Medicare seminars at County libraries. The Montgomery County SHIP Director presents expert, unbiased information about what you need to know before enrolling in Medicare. You will learn what coverage you need, how enrollment periods work, and how to avoid penalties.  No registration is required. For information, visit https://MedicareABCD.org/events/list/.   

Thursday, October 22^nd from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring

Tuesday, October 27^th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring  

Montgomery County SHIP is a federally funded program that provides Medicare counseling and information from certified counselors to new and current Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and Caregivers.  SHIP can be contacted by phone at 301-255-4250, by email at SHIP@jssa.org or online at www.MedicareABCD.org. 

The Career Gateway Provides Affordable Job Search Training for 50+ Job Seekers 
November 2, 4, 6, 9, 11 – 2026

Are you over 50 and looking for a new job?   The JSSA Career Gateway Program can help you hone your resume, polish your networking and interviewing skills, and use internet job search resources more effectively. For only $99, each session of the Career Gateway features:

1. 30 hours of small-group classroom instruction over five days
2. comprehensive take-home materials
3. practical exercises
4. and a long-term mentor

Sessions run from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Optional employment-related tech classes are also available. Sessions and tech classes will be held as an interactive, live, Zoom experience. Registration is limited and is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  For more information and to register for an upcoming Career Gateway session, please contact Jodie Rasch, JSSA Director of Senior Employment Programs, at 301-255-4215 or email Career.Gateway@JSSA.org. For more information, click here.

Next session: January 11, 13, 15, 20, 21 – 2027

The Career Gateway is made possible through generous funding from Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services and The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. 

Hosting an Expo or Social Event? Aging and Disability Services Staff Can Come to You! 
Montgomery County Aging and Disability Services can staff a table at your upcoming event. Connectors set up a table with resource information wherever residents gather or walk by.  

Please email ADS@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov or call Ayanna Hawkins at 301-550-1233 or Carol Smith at 240-890-6605.  

October Episode: Katie Smith talks to Jim Resnick (Retired Battalion Chief), Program Manager, Senior Outreach and Education, MCFRS Community Risk Reduction in honor of Fire Prevention Month.  Program airs at the following times: Sun - (7:30 pm, 9:00 pm, 10:30 pm) | Mon - (11:30 pm) | Tues - (1:00 am, 11:30 pm) | Wed - (9:45 am) | Thurs - (1:30 am, 2:30 am) | Fri - (9:15 am, 10:30 am) | Sat - (11:30 am, 1:00 pm) Where to Watch:  Comcast channel 6, 996 (HD), RCN channel 6, 1056 (HD), Verizon channel 30; or On-Demand at the County's website by clicking here.

This newsletter is produced by Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/senior for more information. Or email us at ads@montgomerycountymd.gov