Programs Designed to Promote Lifelong Learning for Older Adults SAN DIEGO, July 3
SAN DIEGO, July 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Eight organizations in San
Diego County have been awarded "JumpStart the Conversation" grants for
projects designed to promote lifelong learning for older adults.
The grants were introduced after a workshop, Enhancing Lifelong Learning:
Developing a Livable San Diego County for All Ages, which took place in March
at the San Diego Health Services Complex. The workshop was one of a series of
regional workshops focused on creating livable communities for all ages. The
workshops and grants are part of a national Aging in Place Initiative
undertaken by Partners for Livable Communities (Partners) and the National
Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), with funding provided by MetLife
Foundation. The workshop was hosted by the County of San Diego Aging &
Independence Services (AIS) department. Grantees were announced at Aging
Summit 2008, held at Town and Country Resort on June 26.
One grant recipient, Peninsula Shepherd Senior Center, will use the award
to partner with Sharp HealthCare to create an Older Adult Healthy Lifestyle
workshop, focusing on the theme of lifelong learning for older adults. The
workshop will be presented at local senior centers, churches and libraries.
"With the aging of the baby boomers, it's important to develop an
educational tool for helping people stay healthy," said Jean Durgan, director
of Peninsula Shepherd Senior Center. "Through this workshop, we're hoping that
older adults can make changes that could possibly extend their life expectancy
and help people experience a better quality of life, while remaining in their
own local community."
"The range of organizations committed to improving livability for all ages
is a good indicator of the strong area-wide support for this initiative," said
Robert McNulty, president of Partners for Livable Communities.
The eight winning projects are:
-- Alzheimer's Association, which will expand the "Memories in the Making
Art" program to provide an art and brain health educational program targeted
at older and caregivers
-- Bayside Community Center in partnership with San Diego Community
College Continuing Education Department, San Diego Futures Foundation, and
Temecula Valley Bank's Risk Management Department will teach Linda Vista's
diverse older adult population computer skills and financial basics in various
native languages.
-- Friends of Adults Day Health Care Centers in partnership with St.
Paul's Senior Homes & Services will launch a "JumpStart the Conversation
Through a Language Curriculum" that will address the needs of non-native
English speaking older adults.
-- Heritage Clinic will develop a program for clinicians and peer
counselors to assist older adult clients in exploring their individual talents
through conversation and support groups; and will also encourage clients to
express their thoughts, ideas and expectations though diverse media.
-- La Mesa Park and Recreation Foundation in partnership with the City of
La Mesa and Rhythm Worx will implement "Rhythm for the Ages," a weekly
exercise and educational program utilizing a variety of percussion instruments
to create rhythm and movement in educational, recreational, and entertainment
venues for any age.
-- Peninsula Shepherd Senior Center in partnership with Sharp HealthCare
will create an Older Adult Healthy Lifestyle Workshop, focusing on the theme
of lifelong learning for older adults.
-- San Diego State University Research Foundation will develop and pilot a
university-based intercultural, intergenerational learning experience for
older adults, called the Intercultural Conversation Partners Project (ICPP).
-- The Arc of San Diego will pay for members of the senior program of The
Arc of San Diego -- Starlight Center to enroll in community art classes.
"It is exciting to see workshops like this raise the awareness of
organizations working together to create communities for all ages," said Sandy
Markwood, CEO of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.
For additional details on the winning projects visit
http://www.aginginplaceinitiative.org. A comprehensive report on the San Diego
workshop, Developing a Livable San Diego County for All Ages, will be
available for download next month.
Partners for Livable Communities (Partners) is a national, nonprofit
organization working to renew communities for all ages. For more information
on the other workshops planned in the national series, visit
http://www.aginginplaceinitiative.org, or contact Irene Garnett at
igarnett@livable.com.
The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is a leading
voice on aging issues for Area Agencies on Aging across the country. For
additional information, visit http://www.n4a.org.
MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife for the purpose of
supporting education, health, civic and cultural organizations. For additional
information, visit http://www.metlife.org.
CONTACTS:
Partners for Livable Communities: Irene Garnett (202) 887-5990 x109,
igarnett@livable.com
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging: Helen Eltzeroth,
(202)872-0888, heltzeroth@n4a.org
MetLife Foundation: Ted Mitchell, (401) 827-3236, tjmitchell@metlife.com
SOURCE MetLife Foundation
