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

By Jennifer Zhang

At 2:00 p.m. on April 18, seniors arrived one after another at the activity center to take part in this week’s “Happy Seniors” program.

As people grow older, memory lapses often seem to become part of daily life: glasses and keys are set down and then hard to find, or one walks into the kitchen only to forget the reason for going in. Such moments occur frequently, leading many to quietly wonder whether they might have dementia. To address this common concern, the program invited Dr. Sisi Han, a licensed mental health physician, to give a special lecture on “Dementia and Its Prevention.”

Drawing on her extensive clinical experience, Dr. Han began by clarifying an important point: forgetfulness is not the same as dementia. She then guided participants through a brief memory test, helping them make a preliminary assessment of their cognitive function and sparking strong engagement. Dr. Han went on to explain, in clear and accessible terms, the different types of dementia, noting that what is commonly referred to as “Alzheimer’s disease” is just one type—and the most common one. She also provided a detailed overview of several major forms of dementia, including their pathological features and clinical symptoms. The audience listened attentively; many took notes or snapped photos, demonstrating great enthusiasm for learning.

Toward the end of the lecture, Dr. Han focused on prevention strategies, offering practical advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits, and encouraging everyone to adopt healthy routines to reduce their risk. After the session, participants gathered around her to ask questions about their individual concerns. She answered each one patiently and thoroughly, staying until 3:30 p.m.

The program then shifted into a relaxed social break. Attendees enjoyed an afternoon tea thoughtfully prepared by CACHS volunteers and youth volunteers from the Chinese community in the Washington, D.C. area. They also received fresh vegetables and cookies generously provided by CACHS’s partner, So What Else, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere. Afterwards, CACHS volunteer Wei Pan led a 20-minute senior fitness exercise session, with everyone moving along to the rhythm amid laughter and lively energy.

To conclude the event, community photography enthusiast Dr. Hong Sun delivered a lecture on photography techniques. By showcasing his own work, he introduced some of the best seasonal locations for flower viewing and photography across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia—from cherry blossoms in spring and lotus flowers in summer to roses in early autumn. His presentation, rich in visuals and humor, was met with great interest and applause.

With a strong sense of fulfillment and joy, the seniors gradually departed the activity center, bringing this week’s “Happy Seniors” program to a successful close.