DEPARTMENT of FAMILY SERVICES

April 2026

Learn How to Protect Yourself from Scams and Fraud at Scam Jam 2026

Each year, millions of Americans fall victim to scams and fraud. In 2024, $12.5 billion was lost, up 25 percent from 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Unfortunately, older adults are often a favorite target of scammers. One of the best ways to guard against scams is by educating yourself about scams and fraud and staying up to date on the latest scams in your community.

Celebrating Service: Honoring Volunteers and Inspiring Others to Serve

Our community grows stronger when we show up for one another. April is Volunteer Recognition Month, and April 19-25, 2026, is National Volunteer Week, when we celebrate the individuals who give their time and energy to make a difference. Volunteers are woven into the fabric of our society, supporting neighbors, strengthening local organizations, and helping our community thrive. We are deeply grateful for all that volunteers do.

Loss of Appetite Is Common But Not Normal

As we age, we may eat less than we did when we were younger. This can be the case for people who are perfectly healthy, and maintaining a healthy weight has numerous benefits to overall health. Eating fewer calories while making sure the calories you do eat are dense in essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and protein is a great way to look and feel your best. It is a myth, however, that older people don’t feel like eating because our bodies don’t require as much food. Loss of appetite is not “natural,” and can signal a serious medical issue. Also, by not eating enough, we may not get the nutrients our bodies need to stay healthy.

How to Attract Birds to Your Yard

Birdwatching is a popular pastime among people of all ages. If you prefer to watch birds from the comfort of home rather than searching them out, there are ways to attract them to your yard. The basic principles of creating a habitat to attract birds are simple – you must provide food, water, cover, and places for them to raise their young. These principles apply, no matter what size your yard is.

April 2026 Table of Contents:

Read these additional articles online:

• VITA Volunteer Helps Reduce the Stress and Expense of Tax Season
• Safely Dispose of Unwanted Medications at Drug Take Back Day
• No Longer Able to Visit a Library in Person? We Can Help!
• It Doesn’t Just Happen to Young People: Sexual Violence in the Older Adult Population
• Little River Glen IV: Affordable Senior Apartments Coming to Fairfax!
• Family Caregiver Support: Emergency Planning Resources for Family Caregivers
• Long-Term Care Facility Inspection Reports: Know How to Find Them!
• Mature Living – Exploring Resources for Better Health
• Free Classes Hosted by ElderLink
• April Showers Bring Preparedness Powers
• It’s Farmers Market Season!
• Fairfax Area Commission on Aging
• April Community Calendar

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