By Pamela Austin
National Centenarians Day is on Sept. 22 and recognizes individuals who have lived a century or longer. In 2019, there were an estimated 100,322 centenarians in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic imposed challenges and hardships for older Americans, including social isolation and separation from friends and family. This year’s Centenarian Day is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and strength they and other older adults have built throughout their lives.
The City of Alexandria, in collaboration with the Successful Aging Committee, will celebrate the distinctive experiences and achievements of Alexandria centenarians though certificates honoring lifetime achievements, Alexandria recognition coins and a Centenarian Month presentation at the Sept. 28, 2021 City Council meeting. Residents who will be 100 years old or older by Dec. 31, 2021 and wish to be acknowledged are invited to participate in one of two ways.
In option 1, they can receive a certificate honoring lifetime achievement and an Alexandria recognition coin or, in option 2, they can receive a certificate honoring lifetime achievement, an Alexandria recognition coin, be recognized during the Centenarian Month presentation and have the option to opt-in to a social media recognition post.
Participants can sign up online in English or Spanish at https://www.alexandriava.gov/Aging or print and complete the required forms and mail them by July 30, 2021 to Senior Services of Alexandria, Attention: Centenarian Program 206 N. Washington St., Suite 301 Alexandria, VA 22314.
The Successful Aging Committee includes representatives from Senior Services, St. Martin de Porres Senior Center, Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Catholic Charities and the city’s Division of Aging and Adult Services and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. Join them by helping to honor your older loved one living in the City of Alexandria.
For additional questions call Senior Services of Alexandria at 703-836-4414, extension 110, or email admin@seniorservicesalex.org.
The writer is resource coordinator for the City of Alexandria’s Division of Aging and Adult Services.
