Thursday, June 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PDT – This year’s theme is ‘Resilient and Ready!’ and features demonstrations, discussions and dynamic speakers who share resources for older adults to help them live healthier and safer lives
San Diego CA— Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing social isolation has become even more crucial to the health and wellbeing of older adults in our community. Now that our region is opening back up and most residents are venturing out, organizations like San Diego Oasis are working to encourage social interaction to not only help older adults live healthier and safer, but also re-energize their lives to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
In collaboration with the County of San Diego’s Aging and Independence Services (AIS), Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) and Live Well San Diego, San Diego Oasis will host “Vital Aging 2021: Resilient and Ready!,” an online conference on Thursday, June 24 will provide those 60 and older with information and resources related to aging. Attendees will have the opportunity to also make critically important connections with community groups and other older adults in virtual simultaneous sessions with audio translation in English, Spanish and Arabic.
“Although we’re seeing more older adults in our region getting vaccinated, things are far from back to normal,” says Simona Valanciute, president and CEO, San Diego Oasis. “During this online event, attendees anywhere will get a chance to hear from a prominent keynote speaker and other dynamic aging experts on a range of themes all to help older adults take the next step whether it be outside their door, on a device or building new friendships.”
An over 20 year event tradition for San Diego older adults
Since 1998, the County of San Diego has hosted the in-person Vital Aging Conference to encourage older adults to learn about the various resources and services available to them, and connect them with the region’s leading experts on aging to help prevent social isolation. Studies reported by the National Institutes of Health show social isolation is linked to a variety of physical and mental conditions such as high blood pressure, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. However, by encouraging social interaction and boosting awareness of programs and services, AIS and its community partners have retooled and adapted many resources to make them easily available through technology. Materials continue to be translated into additional languages to expand the organization’s reach within the region’s diverse communities.
With the theme “Resilient and Ready!,” this year’s virtual conference will build on the County of San Diego’s efforts to draw residents from across the region and educate them on programs and services that could significantly improve their health and quality of life. “We’re a strong community that has grown exponentially in the last year, and will continue to spread the message of hope to our older adults, letting them know that we’re all on this journey together and they’re not alone,” says Valanciute.
A half-day event not to be missed
Starting at 8:30 a.m. PDT, attendees will have a chance to tune-in to listen to different topics, including how to increase social connections in a time of physical distancing, making the most of the internet and other technology, and understanding the importance of intergenerational activities to improve social ties and quality of life.
Event organizers will broadcast this year’s Vital Aging presentations via Zoom and YouTube, in three language options: English, Spanish (audio or subtitles), and in Arabic (subtitles). In addition to the dynamic speakers, the event will also feature performances from Voices of the City Choir, as well as special remarks from County Supervisors and other dignitaries, and more fun throughout the day.
To reserve your spot to attend “Vital Aging 2021: Resilient and Ready!,” visit VitalAgingSanDiego.com, and for any questions call 619-881-6262.
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.
About Live Well San Diego
The County of San Diego Health and Human Service Agency supports the Live Well San Diego vision of Building Better Health, Living Safely, and Thriving. Live Well San Diego, developed by the County of San Diego, is a comprehensive, innovative regional vision that combines the efforts of partners inside and outside County government to help all residents be healthy, safe, and thriving. All HHSA partners and contractors, to the extent feasible, are expected to advance this vision. Building Better Health focuses on improving the health of residents and supporting healthy choices. Living Safely seeks to ensure residents are protected from crime and abuse, neighborhoods are safe, and communities are resilient to disasters and emergencies. Thriving focuses on promoting a region in which residents can enjoy the highest quality of life. Information about Live Well San Diego can be found on the County’s website and a website dedicated to the vision.