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Just Keep Swimming’: Ingleside Senior Swimmers Share Tips on Healthy Aging through Community and Daily Exercise

A range of community building and wellness opportunities abound at Ingleside, which has been recognized nationally for its inclusivity. 

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Photo Courtesy Ingleside Marketing

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average human needs about 150 minutes of exercise per week to remain healthy as they age, but 80% of Americans aren’t checking that box. 

And while there may be a plethora of reasons why “getting older” could impose on your ability to exercise as frequently as you should, three residents of Ingleside at King Farm – all 95 years young – are living proof that it is possible, and that there is no excuse. 

The three neighbors, Sy Herman, Peggy Adams, and Bob Verkouteren, are using their daily commitment to swim together to encourage and inspire each other’s healthy living choices and well-being. After retiring to the Rockville, Maryland senior living community, Ingleside at King Farm, just outside of Washington, DC, the aquateers became friends through their shared love of aquatic fitness, realizing they also shared the same diligence in being at the pool each day before sunrise, meeting as early as 6:30 a.m. to swim laps. 

“One morning I’m in the water and I find these two rascals here, and now we’re here together every day,” said Peggy. The friendship among the three seniors grew close over the past year ever since the trio made a deal that they would start each day at the pool before breakfast.

Science has proven that positive social relationships play a role in better health and life expectancy.  Unlike forty percent of older adults in the U.S. who report chronic loneliness, Peggy, Sy and Bob, are a prime example of the positive impact meaningful relationships can have on maintaining a personal commitment to physical fitness and daily exercise.

Each morning, the seniors take turns using the fast lane at The Herman Aquatic Center at Ingleside at King Farm, challenging their endurance while also making use of water weights and other strengthening tools. The aquatic trio bonded over a shared commitment to physical exercise, community-building, and philanthropic work – all factors that health studies have shown contribute to longevity and increased quality of life. 

“I took up swimming because it was a sport I could enjoy daily,” shared Sy. “I couldn’t play tennis and couldn’t play golf. So, I took up swimming, which has added years to our lives and life to our years!” 

Fitness is an essential part of the Ingleside culture of living a healthy and engaged lifestyle. Ingleside’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities include a fitness center with robust programming and access to a physical trainer to tailor and support strength and cardiovascular training. 

Not only does Sy use the various fitness amenities at Ingleside, but he’s also provided financial support and resources back into the senior living community to help better its aquatic facilities. Upon moving to Ingleside, Sy and his wife Sheila donated a gift to the Westminster Ingleside Foundation, with an amount specifically designated for the Aquatic Center. “It’s wonderful being here,” Sy said. “There are so many opportunities to be involved. I really love this place.”

A range of community building and wellness opportunities abound at Ingleside, which has been recognized nationally for its inclusivity. 

Ingleside at King Farm, and it’s sister communities, Ingleside at Rock Creek, and Westminster at Lake Ridge were officially recognized when they received the 2023 SAGECare platinum-level lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) cultural competency certification. SAGECare is acknowledged as the foremost comprehensive, national cultural competency training program dedicated to improving the lives of older LGBT adults. Additionally, Ingleside participates in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and SAGE’s Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI), earning the designation as an “LGBTQ+ Long-Term Care Equality High Performer.”

“Ingleside has always been, and will continue to be committed to fostering a culture of health and inclusion,” said Christine L. Podles, MA, HSE, LNHA, Chief Operating Officer of Ingleside. “We recognize and celebrate each person’s individual uniqueness and strive to help them live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. It is a core value that we continue to ensure is ingrained into the fabric of the Ingleside family.”

Fitness helps lengthen lives. According to a study in Journal of Aging Research, those who exercise regularly—even for as little as three hours a week—can live up to almost 7 years longer than those who aren’t as physically active. The three swimming seniors made a pact that they would live long, healthy lives, making it to their 100th birthdays together. 

“We will all be turning 100 years old within four months of each other, and I’m already sending out verbal ‘save the dates,’” said Peggy. The aquateer is already planning the party for the trio. “Mark your calendars for November 2027 – everyone is invited!” 

The aquateers plan to have their celebration at no place other than The Herman Aquatic Center. Sy shared, “We’re going to have a Century Club ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by music, dancing, and a great meal for the entire community.” 

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Introducing Next-Generation Assisted Living & Memory Support.

Now Available in Tysons: Kokua at The Mather

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We have good news for those seeking assisted living or memory support for a loved one: a fresh, hospitality-driven approach to care is now available in the heart of Tysons, Virginia. Kokua at The Mather opened in fall 2025 and provides residents with collaborative care as well as everyday possibilities for creativity, purpose, and connection. 

For a limited time, Kokua is welcoming new residents with exclusive move-in incentives. 

“Kokua is a Hawaiian word meaning ‘To extend help to others without expecting anything in return,’” explains Brandon Davidson, Administrator. “If you’re seeking support for a loved one, Kokua is worth a closer look. We take an individualized approach to care, with evidence-based practices provided by a dedicated, interdisciplinary team.” 

LIMITED-TIME OPPORTUNITY

“At Kokua, we focus on the individual. We blend care with our research-driven approach to deliver personalized wellness tailored to residents’ needs and preferences,” says Davidson. 

Residents enjoy the freedom to choose from enriching programs, meaningful social opportunities with experiences such as sensory walks, meditation, acupuncture, Reiki, songwriting workshops, poetry readings, Sensory Symphony Swim, and more.

Assisted Living in Ādar

Ādar means “respect”, and Kokua delivers. Comfortable residential living is combined with caring assisted living services, enabling residents to remain as independent as possible. Each one-bedroom apartment home (ranging in size up to nearly 900 square feet) offers generous space and thoughtful design, complemented by assistance with daily living tasks and emergency response systems for peace of mind. 

Memory Support in Miran

Miran means “peaceful”—another pillar in the Kokua way of life. Private suites are designed for those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or similar cognitive conditions. “Our person-centered approach embraces individual strengths and needs, with an interdisciplinary team that includes a staff member in attendance 24 hours a day to assist with event reminders and activities of daily living,” says Davidson. “Residents have access to a variety of opportunities to connect, express, and explore their potential through social events, wellness programs, creative arts, and more.”

Kokua offers the next generation of care in these areas, with a commitment to highly personalized service. 

INSPIRED AMENITIES & BOUTIQUE SERVICE

Nestled in a lively urban neighborhood, Kokua incorporates biophilic design that brings the outside in to enhance health and wellbeing. 

Throughout Kokua, residents enjoy a collection of thoughtfully designed spaces and top-shelf hospitality in an upscale community. Beautifully appointed gathering spaces create flexible opportunities for wellness, connection, and everyday enjoyment. A spacious outdoor terrace, demonstration kitchens, art and music studios, and more are used for an array of programs and are available to residents and their visitors. Multiple restaurants offer chef-prepared cuisine with flexible, open-hour service.

“Here at Kokua, we’re offering the next generation of care in Ādar and Miran, and it’s available to the public for a limited time,” says Davidson. Now is an ideal time to explore the personalized care and quiet luxury that Kokua at The Mather has to offer.

For more information, download a brochure at www.themathertysons.com/kokua. To schedule a visit or for additional details, contact Kokua at [email protected] or (571) 282.3650.

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Elevated Living. Personalized Care.

Introducing Kokua at The Mather— Now Welcoming Residents

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At Kokua, we believe that every stage of life holds possibilities for creativity, purpose, and growth. Located in the heart of Tysons, Virginia, Kokua offers a fresh, hospitality-driven approach to care developed by Mather, a nationally recognized pioneer in the senior living space with more than eight decades of experience. Newly opened in 2025, Kokua blends care with our research-driven approach to deliver personalized wellness tailored to individual needs.

For a limited time, Kokua is welcoming new residents seeking assisted living or memory support in the DC area with exclusive move-in incentives. Nestled in a lively urban neighborhood, our LEED-Gold certified community incorporates biophilic design that brings the outside in to enhance health and wellbeing. 

THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED SPACES

In our assisted living and memory support neighborhoods, residents enjoy a collection of thoughtfully designed spaces that feel like an upscale hospitality destination. 

Multiple restaurants offer chef-prepared cuisine with flexible, open-hour service, complemented by demonstration kitchens, art and music studios, as well as gathering spaces. A spacious outdoor terrace, Marzenia Salon, and beautifully appointed amenity areas create opportunities for wellness, connection, and everyday enjoyment.

FOCUS ON PERSONALIZED WELLBEING

Residents enjoy opportunities to choose from enriching programs, meaningful social opportunities with experiences such as sensory walks, meditation, acupuncture, Reiki, songwriting workshops, poetry readings, Sensory Symphony Swim, and more.

Assisted Living in Ādar

Ādar means “respect”, and Kokua delivers. Here, our team encourages residents to be as independent as possible, for as long as possible. Each one-bedroom apartment home (ranging in size up to nearly 900 square feet) offers generous space and thoughtful design, complemented by assistance with daily living tasks and emergency response systems for peace of mind. 

Memory Support in Miran

Miran means “peaceful”—another pillar in the Kokua way of life. Private suites are designed for those with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or similar cognitive conditions. Our person-centered approach embraces individual strengths and needs, with an interdisciplinary team and through social events, wellness programs, creative arts, and more. 

Kokua offers the next generation of care in Ādar and Miran, true to our commitment to highly personalized service rooted in respect for each individual. 

With a limited number of residences available and exclusive move-in incentives currently offered, now is an ideal time to explore the personalized care and quiet luxury that Kokua at The Mather has to offer.

Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more, download our brochure at www.themathertysons.com/kokua. You can reach us at [email protected] or (571) 282.3650.

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Safer Ways to Pay for Online Performances and Queer Events

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Queer events and online performances give many people a sense of connection, identity, and artistic expression. These gatherings range from small independent drag shows streamed from home studios to large in-person events with hundreds of attendees. They help sustain performers, organizers, technicians, and community workers who rely on reliable contributions to continue creating and sharing their work.

Many people who attend or support these events want trustworthy payment options that protect both privacy and financial information. Safety matters not only because of the usual risks of online payments but also because some supporters prefer to keep their legal identity separate from the queer spaces they enjoy. This can involve concerns about outing, data exposure, or personal security. Whenever money is exchanged, the process should feel comfortable and respectful of those realities.

Paying Safely on Ticketing and Event Platforms

If we look at how heavily regulated payment systems maintain security, we can better understand what safe processing should involve. A clear example can be seen in environments where payment risks are closely monitored and tightly controlled, such as online casinos that rely on card-based transactions. Credit card casinos in the US accept familiar payment options like Visa and Mastercard, and allow instant deposits. Their systems rely on strict verification steps that confirm identity, block unauthorized access, and protect cardholders from fraud. Learning about how credit card casinos verify payments can offer useful insight into the safety measures that many reliable ticketing platforms use as well.

Queer events often partner with smaller ticketing services. These services vary in sophistication, so users benefit from paying attention to the connection type, the checkout format, and any information the site provides about privacy. A ticketing page should load with a secure connection, show recognizable payment processing partners, and avoid asking for unnecessary personal details. When a site offers a choice between credit cards and debit cards, a credit card often provides more protection. Credit card disputes also tend to be faster and involve less risk to a person’s own funds. Adding text-based verification codes to an account adds an additional layer of safety for anyone concerned about unauthorized access.

Digital Payment Options That Offer Privacy and Simplicity

More and more performers and event‑goers rely on digital payment systems because they work well. Services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal mask card numbers by using secure tokens. Using this plan means fewer eyes will ever see your private records. When someone pays through these tools, the artist or organizer receives confirmation of payment without gaining access to the person’s card information. If you prefer anonymity, this tool gives you extra space between your actual name and your internet footprint. It helps keep card numbers safe even if the site or app you’re using gets compromised.

Using a prepaid card adds another shield for your money. They operate independently from a person’s main bank accounts, which limits the damage if a card number is stolen. A prepaid card lets donors give quietly, because the payment isn’t linked to their main bank account. A lot of folks in the queer community value that sort of boundary, particularly when they live in places where keeping things private matters for their health. When choosing a prepaid card, it helps to pick a widely recognized brand with consumer safeguards. You’ll have protection when the card is misplaced, stolen, or a charge slips through mistakenly.

Supporting Queer Creators While Safeguarding Identity

Many queer performers rely on tips or direct contributions to cover everyday expenses and production costs. Online payment apps can reveal the payer’s full legal name, which complicates things for people who prefer to participate more quietly. To address this, supporters often turn to platforms that allow display names instead of full identity details. Ko-fi, Patreon, and Gumroad offer this type of flexibility. These services process transactions through secure systems designed to keep card information hidden at every step.

Livestream performers sometimes use encrypted direct-payment links as well. These links are simple to use and limit exposure by taking supporters straight to a protected payment page. Cryptocurrency appeals to a smaller group of supporters because it separates transactions from bank accounts, though it also carries financial risks that users should understand before relying on it regularly. Community-based support pools have also gained attention. In these systems, a group of contributors sends money into a shared fund, and the organizer distributes it to performers. This setup reduces the number of times each individual needs to enter their payment details, which can be an advantage for supporters who value privacy.

Safer Payment Choices at In-Person Queer Events

At live queer events, organizers rely on compact card readers that connect to a tablet or a smartphone. If you wander through a craft market or a late-night concert, you’ll spot these devices everywhere. Many readers accept tap-to-pay, which provides extra protection. When you tap a card or a phone, the terminal gets a token instead of the real card number. It cuts the odds of a breach and lets the transaction finish fast.

You’ll often see QR codes handy for sending a tip or a donation. Since a printed code can be swapped out by a malicious person, it’s wise to verify that the code appears purposeful and that the artist or supplier confirms it’s correct. Rather than exposing a primary credit line, certain fans prefer a prepaid card or an alias set up in their digital wallet for face-to-face payments. This reduces the chance of linking their legal name to the event while still supporting the performers they care about.

Final Thoughts

Queer events and online performances thrive when supporters feel safe and respected. Choosing appropriate payment methods plays a large part in preserving that sense of comfort. Digital wallets, prepaid cards, secure ticketing platforms, and responsible in-person practices all help protect personal information. With these tools, people can participate in queer culture while keeping control over how their financial details are used and shared. The result is a more supportive environment for both creators and the community members who sustain them.

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