Free virtual technology fair can now be viewed and accessed online

SAN DIEGO – Local nonprofit San Diego Oasis, in collaboration with the County of San Diego, hosted its ninth annual “Get Connected: Technology Fair for Adults 50+” virtually and free to the public Nov. 4-5.

“We were thrilled with the content and presentations during this year’s Tech Fair,” said San Diego Oasis President and CEO Simona Valanciute. “Although the event was online, our attendees had a great time learning, engaging and being inspired by our various speakers.”

Industry giants Dr. Irwin Jacobs, Founding Chairman and CEO Emeritus of Qualcomm and Martin Cooper, “Father of the Cell Phone” provided inspiring opening remarks to attendees each day of the online event, including the following remarks:

"Oasis is helping all of us to become more comfortable with digital technologies to enhance our personal lives and to sustain our health and wellbeing,” said Jacobs.

"Technology makes people's lives better,” said Cooper.

Other notable event speakers included:

• Kim Gallo, Director of Aging and Independence Services with the County of San Diego

• Mary Burns, “Streaming Services: Learn to Swim, Not Sink!” and “Music Made Easy: Technology Puts Your Favorite Tunes at Your Fingertips”

• Pankaj Kedia with Qualcomm, “The Wearables Revolution: Get Fit. Stay Well. Enjoy Life”

• Marty Kausas, Co-Founder & CEO, MySafetyCall.com, “Crypto-Currency 101”

• Tony Anscombe, ESET North America, “Online Safety”

• Dr. Abisola Olulade with Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, “Quality Care and Convenience: How to Get the Most Out of Your Telemedicine Visit”

• Jacki Montierth, Founder, Wiseboomer.com, “Apple vs. Google: Putting Your Tech-Eggs in One Basket?”

Touted as the region’s largest technology event, the highly anticipated “Get Connected: Technology Fair” gave all seniors in San Diego and around the country the opportunity to learn more about cutting edge technology to improve quality of life and engagement. Attendees came in from four different countries, 100 cities and eight states, and tuned in for the 30-minute “Tech Talk” sessions presented by knowledgeable speakers addressing a wide variety of technology-related topics, including the following:

• Streaming Services: Learn to Swim, Not Sink!

• Apple vs. Google: Putting Your Tech-Eggs in One Basket?

• Elder Scams and Fraud

• Leveraging Technology for Happier and Healthier Aging

• Quality Care and Convenience – How to Get the Most Out of Your Telemedicine Visit

• The Intersection of Caregiving, Social Isolation, and Technology: What Does it Mean for You and Me?

• Guide to Cybersecurity & Online Safety

• Staying Safe Online in a Virtual World

• Music Made Easy: Technology Puts Your Favorite Tunes At Your Fingertips

• Crypto-Currency 101

• Exercise Your Brain: Strengthen Your Memory Muscles with Technology

• The Wearables Revolution: Get Fit. Stay Well. Enjoy Life.

• Helpful Technology How-To’s

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.

Anyone who missed this year’s Tech Fair can access the full two-day virtual event can be accessed at https://san-diego.oasisnet.org/technology-fair/#techtalks and can be viewed anywhere, anytime. For more information on upcoming classes, visit SanDiegoOasis.org.

Submitted by San Diego Oasis.