News - July 23, 2024

For Immediate Release: July 23, 2024           

Media Contact: Liz Whitman | 703.915.5830

MEDIA ADVISORY

Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce and Goodwin Living Host “Aging Well in Northern Virginia” on July 30

Event includes panel discussions with regional aging experts and resources exhibit

WHAT: Falls Church, VA. – Every day, 10,000 Americans celebrate their 65^th birthday, and many of them are older Black adults who have had limited access to aging resources. To address this inequity, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC) and Goodwin Living have partnered to host “Aging Well in Northern Virginia,” an event focused on the healthy aging for people of color at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads on Tuesday, July 30. The event will feature panel discussions with aging experts and a vendor fair that includes NVBCC members and other organizations with expertise in serving older adults.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Facts and Figures, an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s. 73% are aged 75 and older. The study also found that older Black Americans are about twice as likely to have dementia as older Whites, and older Hispanics are about one and one-half times as likely to have dementia as older Whites.

Despite the higher likelihood of dementia in the Black and Hispanic communities, a 2020 study done by the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement shows that “Although the rate of Alzheimer’s and other dementias in African Americans and Hispanics is higher than in whites, they are less likely than whites to have a diagnosis of the condition”. When they do receive a diagnosis, they are more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of dementia.

Panelists will share insights on brain health and dementia caregiver support as well as recommendations to keep homes safe for aging well.

The event is free and open to the public, and guests can register by contacting info@goodwinliving.com or 703.454.8946.

WHO: Featured speakers and guests will include:

• LeAnn White, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce
• Leeta Harlem, Founder of My Natural Me and Dementia Caregivers Support Network (DCSN) and NVBCC member
• Arvette M. Reid, Client Services Director, Signature Estate and Investment Advisors and Retirement Financial Planning Advisor
• Lindsay Hutter, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Goodwin Living
• Jessica Fredericksen, Director of Brain Health, Goodwin Living and Leeta Harlem, Executive Director and Founder, Dementia Supporter Caregivers Program
• Leslie LaPlace, Goodwin Living Geriatric Fitness Expert
• Kerri Mai, Administrator, Goodwin Home Health

WHEN: Tuesday, July 30, 2024, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 

WHERE: Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, 3440 South Jefferson St, Falls Church, VA 22041

Complimentary valet parking provided

MEDIA CONTACT:  If you’re interested in attending the event and/or coordinating interviews, please contact Liz Whitman at 703-915-5830.

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About Goodwin Living™ (goodwinliving.org): Goodwin Living™ touches the lives of thousands of people every day through its range of senior living communities, specialized healthcare services, community partnerships and philanthropic endeavors. With a mission to support, honor and uplift the lives of others (specifically older adults and those who care for them), Goodwin Living leads the way in expanding the places and ways we can all thrive and find purpose as we age. Older adults will discover options that meet them where they want to be, and those options are managed and provided by team members who represent more than 65 countries. Goodwin Living has been a Washington Post Top Workplace for six consecutive years and was named the #2 Top Workplace for 2024. Get more information at GoodwinLiving.org or by following Goodwin Living on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.