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Blacksburg
Who hasn’t heard of AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, founded in 1958? The organization has 38 million members age 50 and up nationwide with many local AARP chapters. Most operate with a charter and bylaws in addition to the national organization.
Local AARP Chapter Improves Senior Lives
AARP chapters exist in all states. Recently, their numbers have dwindled as the national organization continues to grow. Today, only about 25 chapters remain in Virginia, and with 200 members, the Blacksburg chapter may be one of the largest and most active. Though named AARP Blacksburg at its inception in 1978, it welcomes and serves the entire New River Valley.
Small local chapters provide a personal connection with local support, which is hard for a national organization to do. Typically, people maintain membership in both. The Blacksburg group holds monthly meetings on the third Tuesday, with interesting speakers like Roanoke Times columnist Dan Casey, experts on the life of birds and pollinators, or how to protect yourself from scams. Special meetings like the June Picnic and the December Awards Luncheon are popular yearly program highlights.
The group works to develop and maintain partnerships with local agencies and organizations concerned with the well-being of seniors. They were instrumental in supporting the organization of the TimeBank [www.nrv.timebanks.org], which allows volunteers to receive “credits” for performing activities and then use those credits to “pay” for their needs, like plumbing repairs. They also hold activities like appliance repair workshops.
Retired from Working but Actively Living
The local chapter is closely affiliated with the Lifelong Learning Institute at Virginia Tech, and many hold membership in both groups. LLI offers numerous classes at minimal cost throughout the year.
The New River Valley’s AARP Blacksburg chapter produces a quarterly online newsletter that lists upcoming events in the chapter and community. Through technology, chapter administrators have an immediate connection to everyone, so if an opportunity arises, it can be announced immediately.
According to Jerry Niles and Don Creamer, the most significant benefit to membership is the social connection and interactions it provides. “One of the greatest challenges faced in aging is social isolation, and this group offers a space and activities to bring people together,” explains Don Creamer. This provides people a way to age in the way they want to age—successfully. Jerry Niles adds: “People need to have a purpose in their life larger than themselves. Service activities provide this outlet, and good things happen for everyone. You can still accomplish wonderful things at our age.”
A Healthy Community
In a unique collaboration with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) and the Christiansburg Recreation Center, the AARP Blacksburg organizes a biennial Health and Wellness Fair. This collective effort provides New River Valley residents a one-stop-shop health service, offering a variety of shots (flu, tetanus, shingles, pneumonia, and COVID-19—if there is a new updated version). Health screenings include blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, vision and hearing.
You’d be right if you think this sounds like a huge undertaking—between 300 and 400 “patients” in four hours. The Christiansburg Recreation Center handles the logistics of moving people through the fair. VCOM medical students and faculty volunteer their time. Radford University and New River Valley nursing students and faculty are on hand, and the Christiansburg Pharmacy handles vaccines. The Community Transit GO program provides free transport for seniors in the four counties, and it is available for taking seniors to the fair.
Participants receive test results immediately if possible, or results are mailed later. If health issues are found during screenings, people are encouraged to return to their regular doctor or given a list of suggested local clinics and physicians.
About 100 local vendors provide exhibits on health issues, home improvements that create a safer environment for seniors to age in place, fitness, wellness activities, hospice, dermatology, physical therapy, financial planning, insurance, chiropractic help, caregivers, and job opportunities for seniors. Volunteer Montgomery and New River Valley Agency on Aging will be on-site to sign up volunteers and those needing assistance.
Keep the Shine on the
Golden Years
You should arrive before 11:30 a.m. to hear the scheduled speaker, Dr. Michael Friedlander, Virginia Tech vice president for health sciences and technology and executive director of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. He will discuss current research into diseases affecting seniors. The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments are available, making it an excellent opportunity to prioritize your health.
Sponsorships that make this event possible include National Bank of Blacksburg, New River Valley Community Services, Warm Hearth Village, Carilion Clinic, OrthoVirginia, Light Counseling, and the Engagement Center for Creative Aging.
With a track record of 20 successful fairs, this event is a testament to the New River Valley’s commitment to health. While the focus is on the over-50 population, everyone in the family is welcome to attend. It’s never too early to start focusing on your health.
Benefits of National AARP Membership (aarp.org)
Discounts in many places:
• 7,000 nationwide restaurants
• Shopping and grocery stores
• Wireless phone services
• New car purchase
• Travel (British Air, hotels and resorts, car rental,
Expedia bookings)
• Health and fitness
• Resume advisor
• Bi-monthly lifestyle magazine
• Online games
www.blacksburgaarp.org
2024 Health and Wellness Fair
Wed., Sept. 18
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Christiansburg Recreation Center
1600 N. Franklin Street
www.blacksburgaarp.org/2024-health-and-wellness-fair
Text by Jo Clark
Photos courtesy of AARP
Blacksburg