Senior Smart

LEARNING FESTIVAL KICKOFF INCLUDES TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS

What’s a Wii? What is social networking and what am I missing? What do I do with my photos on the cellphone? No matter what state of technology awareness you’re in, there’s always more to learn. If you feel you’re so far behind your grandchildren in terms of computer knowledge and technology you’ll never catch up, you’re probably right, but there are gadgets made for you! And there is plenty of technology within your grasp that can make your life easier and more fun. April 30 will be the kickoff for a month-long Learning Festival to encourage older adults and others to be lifelong learners. The kickoff will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Poway Branch Library (in the morning) and at the Poway Senior Center (in the afternoon). Featured at the kickoff will be the "Muscleman of Technology," Bruce Pechman, to demystify various technology gadgets, plus there will be several technology and lifelong learning exhibits. In the afternoon, there will be a session on using music to reduce stress, plus an art workshop and senior/caregiver yoga. The Learning Festival will continue through May, with all the San Diego County Library branches offering special programs of interest to older adults, including Using Wii, Laughter Yoga, Sudoku for Seniors, Sit and Be Fit exercises and more. Family caregivers will receive special attention during the Learning Festival, as several County Library branches will have programs particularly for them, with respite services available so their loved ones get the help they need while the caregivers have a fun break. The Learning Festival was created through a partnership between the County Library and Aging & Independence Services. To find out more about the Learning Festival, see www.learningfestival.org. If you plan to attend the Learning Festival Kickoff and would like one of the free boxed lunches or would like to have respite services, call (858) 495-5083.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MAKE MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL

Some elderly mothers (and fathers) in San Diego County would have no visitors, flowers or attention on Mother’s Day were it not for MOM (Meals on the Move), a home-delivered meal program where volunteers provide a warm meal and a smile. Since 1991, both public and private supporters have helped the County’s MOM program make a difference in the lives of homebound seniors in San Diego County. MOM delivers more than a hot and delicious dinner with fixings; volunteers take time to listen and lend a warm, supportive hand. Local elementary children and scout troops contribute to the day by making colorful Mother’s Day placemats. Colorful carnations also come with the meal. No meal recipient pays for the dinner. The food is covered by generous community donations. Anyone interested in making a donation to MOM can call (858) 495-5279. All money donated to MOM goes to meals, not administrative costs. Volunteers are needed at the East County, South Bay and Central San Diego sites. To donate two to three hours in the morning on Mother’s Day, call one of the following sites:
Neighborhood House, 841 South 41st St., San Diego, Ca. 92113; Phone: (619) 263-2108
Salvation Army Nutrition Center, 1011 Main St., El Cajon; Phone: (619) 440-2457
Salvation Army, 2799 Health Center Dr., San Diego, Ca. 92123; Phone: (858) 505-3943
Salvation Army, 648 Third Ave., Chula Vista, Ca. 91910; Phone: (619) 498-0298

REGISTER FOR VITAL AGING CONFERENCE

Humor will play a leading role at the upcoming Vital Aging Conference to be held June 4 at the Balboa Park Club Ballroom in Balboa Park. The theme will be "Using Body, Mind and Laughter to Thrive in Uncertain Times." The keynote speaker will be Dr. John Glick, a physician and a clown with the Patch Adams Gesundheit! Institute. His talk will be "Laughter for the Health of It." The Vital Aging Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, at the Balboa Park Club Ballroom (near the Puppet Theater in Balboa Park). Sponsors include Sharp HealthCare, San Diego Park & Recreation Department, At Your Home FamilyCare and Mount Miguel Covenant Village. The event is free, but registration is required; call Sharp at (800) 827-4277.