Free virtual Vital Aging conference for older adults offered

SAN DIEGO – 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 the community.

Now that this 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, Health and Human Services Agency and Live Well San Diego, San Diego Oasis will host “Vital Aging 2021: Resilient and Ready!,” an online conference on Thursday, June 24 which 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,” said 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,” said 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 a spot to attend “Vital Aging 2021: Resilient and Ready,” visit VitalAgingSanDiego.com, and for any questions, call 619-881-6262.

Submitted by San Diego Oasis.