Left: Geriatric Care Manager and Senior Fitness Specialist Laila Vehvilainen, MS, MPH, NASM-CPT, CDP, demonstrates how exercise can support strength, balance, and mobility at any age (photo: karenspilka.com/fair2025); Right: Student interns Avi Seri and William Scannell, alongside Director of Volunteer Services IJ Anyanwu, connect with fair attendees and share information about JFS programs and services.
JFS was once again proud to participate in Senate President Karen Spilka’s annual 55+ Fall Health and Wellness Fair, held at Keefe Regional Technical School in Framingham. For more than a decade, this well-attended community event has brought together service providers, health professionals, and local organizations to offer resources, workshops, and activities that support the physical, emotional, and social well-being of older adults.
Throughout the morning, JFS Director of Volunteer Services IJ Anyanwu, along with student interns Avi Seri and William Scannell, welcomed attendees and shared information about JFS programs designed to support older adults and their families. These included volunteer opportunities, Allies in Aging Geriatric Care Management, and the Patient Navigator service, all of which help individuals remain healthy, connected, and supported as they age.
Adding an interactive and energizing element to the event, Laila Vehvilainen, Geriatric Care Manager, led a fitness session focused on the importance of movement, strength, and balance. Her program offered practical strategies participants could use in their daily lives to support mobility and independence as they age.
We are grateful to Senate President Spilka for her continued leadership and commitment to older adults in our community, and for her longstanding support of programs and organizations that promote healthy aging. Her advocacy for “Active Agers” helps ensure that older adults have access to the resources, care, and opportunities they need to thrive.