Online classes now available to adults 50 and older PLUS tips for seniors to stay connected and engaged during self-isolation

San Diego CA— This past Sunday, California Governor Gavin Newsom recommended all Californians age 65 and up to self-isolate in their own homes to help “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 community spread. Likewise, San Diego County made similar recommendations at a press conference held on Monday.
“Social distancing” is the term being used, and it goes against what experts have suggested for seniors for decades. According to the AARP, more than eight million adults are affected by isolation, and the physical health risks are detrimental. With COVID-19, we can only expect isolation to increase.
“Today’s older adults are more vibrant and busier than seniors of yesteryear. But social isolation is an epidemic among seniors already, with some studies indicating social isolation is equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” said Simona Valanciute, CEO, San Diego Oasis. “The ask of seniors to self-isolate, while important to their physical health and protect themselves from COVID-19, will exacerbate anxiety, loneliness, and other health problems they may already be experiencing.”
As an effort to continue engaging San Diego seniors, San Diego Oasis is halting their in-person programs and taking some of their classes online. Classes will be delivered via Zoom video conferencing and led by their expert instructors, some who are older adults themselves. Some of the classes are offered as series and allow students to continue with their studies and participation while not physically being together. Class topics span a variety of topics and include language studies, book clubs, religion and spiritual studies, a grief support group, an Android 101 class, and a retirement workshop. All classes offered by San Diego Oasis range from free to low-cost and are available to adults age 50 and over. Class fees cover costs and support the mission of San Diego Oasis. Participants are encouraged to pre-register through their website, www.sandiegooasis.org. For more information, call 619-881-6262.
“Today’s seniors are some of the most active persons in our society,” says Valanciute. “But now they are forced to take the time to slow down. It’s a great time to take a step back from the commitments and focus on yourself and make deep connections with others.” Here are some tips for remaining engaged as an older adult during a time of self-quarantine and self-isolation:

• If you are a tech-savvy senior, go online and don’t stop learning.
• If you are active in fitness classes, find a new fitness class on-demand through a streaming service or online.
• Pick up the phone and call someone. Check in on them.
• Send an email to loved ones.
• Check on your neighbor (maintaining a safe social distance of course!)
• Connect by text.
• Skype / Facetime / Videoconferencing
• Journaling
• Start the memoir you’ve always wanted to do
• Take a genealogy class — combines learning with online research
• If you volunteer for a nonprofit, ask them what you can do from home to continue to help the community.

Here are just some of the online classes offered by San Diego Oasis:
Monday, March 23, 2020 at 10 a.m.
Class #185 Stock Market Update
Presented by Barbara Norman, CFP®, ChFC® CDFA®, CEO of Sage Path Solutions, The Women’s Financial Academy Founder
Come and see what the most recent economic charts have in store for the markets. In this class we look at current events, market cycles and leading indicators. Our discussion includes strategies for surviving market volatility and possible opportunities. Even if you have previously attended this class, it is a good course to repeat as the content changes with the markets.
 
Barbara Norman, CFP®, ChFC® CDFA® is the CEO of Sage Path Solutions, the Founder of The Women’s Financial Academy – a CA non-profit organization dedicated to education, and a member of Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA Advisor program. Barbara has a tax background and has served in the financial services industry since 1986.
Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 10 a.m.
Class #525 Thriving in Retirement! A Six-Week Workshop
Presented by Virginia B. Berger, MA, Certified Professional Coach
Are you anticipating retirement and not sure how to plan your new life? Are you already retired and feeling a bit irrelevant and isolated or so busy that you’re having trouble fitting it all in. Join this six-week workshop to explore relevant topics, such as changing relationships, time management, health and well-being, and finding a new purpose. Sessions will include presentations by Virginia Berger, a former educator and certified retirement coach, and sharing with others in small groups.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at 10 a.m.
Class #562 Android 101
Presented by Bucky Reed, IT Professional
Learn how to get more out of your Android phone. Install apps, increase the text size, browse the internet, use email, text, and more.
Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 1 p.m.
Class #430 ASL: Sign Language for Daily Activities
ASL serves as the predominant sign language of the Deaf community in the United States and Anglophone Canada. In this series you will learn the signs needed for simple daily communication and activities so you can begin to interact with ASL users.
Friday, March 27, 2020 at 10:15 a.m.
Class #173 Current Events: March
Facilitator Rick LeVine will cover topics based on what’s in the news (elections, court cases, law reform, tax cuts, foreign affairs, etc.). Each monthly meeting includes lecture, dialogue, questions, and answers. Rick LeVine is an attorney and a former newscaster. Participants appreciate his wealth of knowledge and ability to present the news without bias.
To register for upcoming classes or to make a donation, visit www.sandiegooasis.org.

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. 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.