‘2021 Get Connected: Technology Fair for Adults 50+’ brings together more than 3,000 older adults from San Diego and around the U.S. to learn about cutting edge technology to improve quality of life and engagement

San Diego CA— If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything it was how crucial it is to stay connected to our friends and loved ones. Now more than ever, older adults need to be equipped with technologies that will help them be confident, connected, safe and independent as we all continue to navigate the future. To support this effort, local nonprofit San Diego Oasis will host its ninth annual “Get Connected: Technology Fair for Adults 50+” on Thursday, Nov. 4 through Friday, Nov. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT and an “Ask the Experts” series on Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with slots for 20-minute one-on-one in-person appointments.
Two industry giants will address the group, including Dr. Irwin Jacobs, Founding Chairman and CEO Emeritus of Qualcomm on Nov. 4 and Martin Cooper, “Father of the Cell Phone” on Day 2. Kim Gallo, Director of Aging and Independence Services with the County of San Diego will also speak to the importance of technology for seniors.
Touted as the region’s largest technology event, the highly anticipated “Get Connected: Technology Fair” is free of charge for all seniors to learn more about cutting edge technology to improve quality of life and engagement. San Diego Oasis expects more than 3,000 attendees over the three-day event with not only local older adults in attendance, but also San Diego Oasis members from around the United States. Registration for the event is required and attendees can RSVP at SanDiegoOasis.org.
At the start of the pandemic, older adults were identified as not only high risk to contracting the virus, but also for experiencing isolation and loneliness. One study says that prolonged isolation and loneliness is equivalent, and as lethal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But when older adults can actively engage, they have a positive attitude, feel more connected and curious to explore the world.
“Our annual Tech Fair is always a crowd-pleaser and to have it virtual again this year will not only give our San Diego members a chance to attend from anywhere, but also Oasis members from across the nation,” says San Diego Oasis President and CEO, Simona Valanciute. “Older adults everywhere are looking for ways to connect, stay active and engage during these times of social distancing. We are excited to support and spark confidence in tech-curious older adults to help them adapt and learn more about digital devices, apps and tools that will help them do that.”

What to Expect at This Year’s Virtual Tech Fair

This year, the “Get Connected: Technology Fair” will feature free 30-minute “Tech Talk” sessions presented by knowledgeable speakers addressing a wide variety of technology-related topics, including the following:

• Apple vs Android
• Streaming Services
• Use of Robotics in the Age of Social Isolation
• Scams and How to Protect Your Finances
• Online Safety
• Sorting Fact from Fiction Online
• Crypto Currency
• Current Scams and Fraud Online
• Technology and Caregiving
• Smart Homes by Cox
• Music Apps
• Online Brain Training Programs

Attendees will have the opportunity to also consult with experts to answer just about any kind of tech question. Stretch breaks will also be included featuring San Diego Oasis instructors who will give attendees the chance to stand, move and groove. Opportunity drawings for the chance to win exciting tech-related gifts will also be held throughout the event.
This annual immersive technology event is designed to help older adults ease frustration when it comes to smartphones, computers, tablets, apps, telemedicine, and much more. With over 5,600 older adult members, several have expressed a lack of devices either due to affordability or not understanding how to use them. Not only do San Diego Oasis members learn more about how to connect to telehealth appointments, communicate with family and friends, engage in world news, and join learning groups in topics that range from basic phone how to’s, to art, languages, history, finance, music, food, health and wellness, but also stay active with online demonstrations of exercise and dance.
“If you’re not a San Diego Oasis member yet and are interested in attending the Tech Fair, the event will give you a glimpse at what our members experience everyday through our over 3,000 workshops and classes year-round,” says Valanciute.
“Get Connected” sponsors include the County of San Diego, San Diego Rotary 33, Thrivent Financial office of Jonathan Doering and Matthew Molstre, AARP, AT&T, Cox Communications, SDG&E, Umpqua Bank, San Diego County Credit Union, Local Umbrella Media, and Scatena Daniels Communications. Contact Jolyn Parker at jolyn@sandiegooasis.org or 858-353-0439 if you’re interested in being an event sponsor.
Know Before You Go

• “2021 Get Connected: Technology Fair for Adults 50+”
• Hosted by San Diego Oasis, Sponsored by the County of San Diego
• Thursday, Nov. 4 through Friday, Nov. 5 / Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. PDT
• Saturday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT
• 619-881-6262
• Event is free, but registration is required.
• Go to SanDiegoOasis.org and click on “Technology” to register for Class #700
• Go to https://calendly.com/sdoasis to make an appointment to ask questions during the “Ask the Experts” series on Saturday, Nov. 6.

About San Diego Oasis

San Diego Oasis, an award-winning nonprofit organization, is on a mission to change the way people experience aging and pursue vibrant, healthy, productive and meaningful lives through education and community service. The community-based organization hosts over 3,000 workshops annually at over 40 locations to 5,600 active participants throughout San Diego County, and is now delivering programs and workshops with their virtual senior center in response to the COVID-19 shelter-in-place health order. The nonprofit’s Intergenerational Literacy Tutoring Program matches an older adult in the life of an at-risk, low-income student in grades K-4. Their flagship center, located in La Mesa’s Grossmont Center, is an exemplary model of engagement for people age 50 and better. Learn more at www.SanDiegoOasis.org, connect on Facebook or call 619-881-6262.