‘Transitions’ senior living expo moving to Potomac Mills

WOODBRIDGE — Seniors who plan on living their best lives should plan to head to the shopping mall.

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce and the Prince William Area Agency on Aging are teaming up with Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center to sponsor the “Transitions – Resources for Aging Gracefully Expo” on Wednesday, May 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The expo has a new location: Potomac Mills mall in Woodbridge.

Transitions is a free and educational expo showcasing resources that are available to seniors, families, and caregivers in the Northern Virginia Region. Exhibits provide insights and answers for enhancing the senior living experience.

The Expo features exhibitors conducting screening and highlighting resources to help seniors — and those who plan to become seniors one day– to live their best life. Everything at Transitions is free and open to the public.

The event is one of several in recent years to be held at the shopping mall. After years of marketing itself as a regional shopping destination that draws in customers from as far as Delaware and South Carolina, the mall is now working to embrace those from the community.

“At Potomac Mills, we always look for opportunities to engage further with our local community – one great way for the property to do so is hosting events like Transitions. Local partnerships…allow Potomac Mills to not just expand event offerings, but also make meaningful connections with the community. By continuing to build these relationships, our goal is for people to think of Potomac Mills as a place to gather, socialize and spend quality time together – and span beyond just a shopping center,” said Potomac Mills General Manager Jen Snitselaar.

The expo starts at 9 a.m. in the mall’s food court for a “Meet the Expert” panel, as a representative from Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center talks about Stroke Prevention and Awareness.

“Transitions is an important event to educate older adults and their caregivers about resources available in the Prince William Area. These resources can assist older adults with their aging in place goals and provide a piece of mind for their caregivers and loved ones.” Sarah Henry, Director, Prince William Area Agency on Aging.

According to AARP, the number of workers with eldercare responsibilities is on the rise. This trend highlights the need to better understand the impact of family caregiving on work, and how working caregivers can better manage their work and caregiving responsibilities.

Transitions is designed to assist caregivers in planning ahead and identifying available resources to reduce time away from work. Resources from healthcare and transportation assistance to opportunities to volunteer or learn new skills.

“This is a wonderful and free event that is open to the public to attend. From healthcare to housing, entertainment, and volunteer opportunities; a wealth of resources exist for seniors and caregivers in our community. The Prince William Chamber and its partners have teamed up to provide all those in the region the opportunity to find out more about those resources in one location,” said Debbie Jones, President and CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, whose mother has benefited from help from the Prince William Area Agency on Aging.

Prior “Transitions” expos were held at the Freedom Aquatics and Fitness Center just outside Manassas.