Many people want the same thing as they get older: the ability to stay at home and keep their independence. The ability to stay home as you age is called “aging in place.” It allows older adults to live where they feel comfortable and keep as much independence as possible. But to do it well, you need to make a plan, have the right tools, and talk honestly about what can really be done.

Many people want the same thing as they get older: the ability to stay at home and keep their independence. The ability to stay home as you age is called “aging in place.” It allows older adults to live where they feel comfortable and keep as much independence as possible. But to do it well, you need to make a plan, have the right tools, and talk honestly about what can really be done.

VCU’s Partnership for People with Disabilities (VCU-PPD) and the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) are surveying individuals who received services at an Area Agency on Aging (AAA) in Virginia. If you have received services at JABA, you may be selected for this optional survey.

Aging is a natural process that may present challenges for older adults and their families. Difficult life changes, like coping with new serious illnesses or losing loved ones, can impact mental health. While those of all ages live with mental health issues, older adults may experience new or worsening symptoms due to adjusting to changes as they age. This can result in experiencing higher levels of grief, social isolation, and loneliness, at times leading to new or worsening mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and, without intervention, can lead to suicide. But, with the right resources, older adults can find hope again.

Caregiving can be overwhelming, but respite care programs offer essential support by providing safe, engaging environments for individuals with cognitive or physical impairments. These programs give caregivers time to rest, work, or recharge, while improving the well-being of both the caregiver and the care recipient.

In today’s fast-paced world, self-care is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity. As we juggle the demands of work, relationships, and daily responsibilities, it is vital to take time to nurture our well-being to maintain and support our mental and physical health.

The Board of Directors of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) is pleased to announce that it has named its long-time employee, Christina Evans, as its Chief Executive Officer effective July 7, 2025.

June is an important month of reflection, celebration, and advocacy, marked by Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, Juneteenth, and LGBTQ+ Pride. Each of these highlights the importance of equity, identity, and community, especially for those navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. For many minority groups, including Black Americans and LGBTQ+ people, Alzheimer's presents unique and compounded difficulties. These communities face challenges getting diagnoses, adequate care, and support systems, often rooted in systemic opposition and cultural stigmas. As we honor the history and perseverance of Black communities on Juneteenth and celebrate LGBTQ+ lives during Pride, it is also important to raise awareness of how Alzheimer’s disproportionately affects these groups and advocate for inclusion, care, and research.

Pulled from the archives, this profile on Nina Fitzgerald, who was born in 1912, describes her early life and her retirement, which she spent at JABA’s Nelson Community Center. Throwback to this fascinating glimpse at the lives of older adults during the early years of JABA (established in 1975). Happy 50th to our Nelson Community!

The Board of Directors of the Jefferson Area Board for Aging (JABA) is pleased to announce that it has named its long-time employee Christina Evans as its new Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis effective April 21, 2025.

In a society that values youth and beauty, it is not a surprise to hear people who embody these values are treated to a higher regard. Age comes for us all, however, and at a certain point, we all will grow older and start to slip away from public view. This is especially true for women, who historically are valued based on their looks and ability to have and raise children rather than who they are and what they know. This is referred to as the Invisible Women Syndrome- where women in their 50s disappear from public view, in shops, on public transport, at work, and in media.