“2026 Seniors’ Joy Program (Phase 2)” — Fourth Activity Brief

By Jennifer Zhang

On Saturday, April 25, under clear and pleasantly mild weather, seniors gathered for the fourth activity of the “Happy Seniors” program in the 2026 second session.

The first session of the event featured a health education lecture delivered by Dr. Shuling Zhang, senior volunteer and incoming Executive Director of the Chinese American Community Health Services (CACHS). The lecture, titled “Introduction to Public Health Resources and Benefits for Seniors in Montgomery County,” was presented under the commission of the Asian American Health Initiative (AAHI). Dr. Zhang has been consistently educating Chinese American seniors in the community about Montgomery County’s public healthcare and social welfare resources for several years. His talks are highly practical and well received, making them a signature feature of the “Happy Seniors” program.

At the beginning of the lecture, Dr. Zhang briefly introduced AAHI and its mission. As approximately half of Maryland’s Chinese American population resides in Montgomery County, this community has become a key focus of AAHI’s services. The organization has long provided a wide range of resources and support for Chinese residents through community outreach, health education, mental and behavioral health services, and senior wellness promotion.

However, due to language barriers, limited digital literacy, or lack of access to information channels, many Chinese seniors are not fully aware of these available resources and therefore have not fully benefited from the services and assistance they are entitled to. In response, Dr. Zhang systematically introduced a range of current AAHI programs and resources, with particular emphasis on services commonly used by older adults, including dental program, mental health program, family caregivers, health insurance-relevant assitance, free food resources, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid child health programs.

During the presentation, Dr. Zhang specially emphasizes on practical access pathways, guiding participants on how to apply for and inquire about services via phone or the internet. He also prepared printed materials containing key resource information and contact details, which were distributed to all attendees for future reference.

After the lecture, many seniors gathered around Dr. Zhang to ask follow-up questions regarding policies and specific services. He responded with patience and clarity, helping participants better understand and utilize Montgomery County’s health and social welfare resources.

During the break session, CACHS volunteers and youth volunteers from the Washington area prepared a selection of delicious afternoon tea refreshments for the seniors. In addition, fresh produce—including vegetables and fruits—provided by CACHS’s new partner, Manna Food Center, was distributed to participants. Beginning with this session, thanks to the joint efforts of CACHS volunteers and community partners, seniors participating in the “Happy Seniors” program not only benefit from CACHS activities but also gain access to additional community resources, creating a multi-layered support system that was warmly received by all.

Following the break, CACHS senior volunteer Wei Xiangyang continued the mobile phone training session. He reviewed basic iPhone account settings, explained how to connect to WiFi and Bluetooth, and demonstrated WeChat functions through screen mirroring, including adding contacts and using the “scan” feature. Throughout the session, he encouraged participants to actively explore smartphone functions and gradually become more comfortable with modern digital tools.

In the final session of the program, community fitness enthusiast Li Hui led participants in a neck exercise session for cervical health. He first explained key movements, precautions, and techniques for neck stretching, and then guided the group through repeated practice, helping seniors effectively relieve tension and relax their bodies.

The event concluded in a warm and joyful atmosphere. The seniors left the activity center with a sense of fulfillment and happiness. We look forward to gathering again in “Happy Seniors” event next week.