County's Senior Coalition Will Tackle Relationship and Brain Health Issues at Forum

FAIRFIELD, Calif. - May 22, 2019 - PRLog -- The Senior Coalition of Solano County will feature presentations on ways older adults can build relationships and maintain brain health at its next educational forum.  The event, co-sponsored by State Assemblyman Jim Frazier and County Supervisor Monica Brown, is entitled "Active Aging in Solano - Resilient and Connected," and will take place on Friday, May 31st, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Fairfield Community Center in Willow Hall, 1000 Kentucky Street, Fairfield.  Admission is free and a continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. The public is invited, however RSPV's are required. Please email seniorcoalition14@gmail.com to register.

"This year we've put together a forum that speaks to some of the most compelling health issues faced by older adults - isolation and the rise in brain health disease, Alzheimer's and dementia," says Events Committee Chairperson Judy Calpo.

Current research supported by the National Institute on Aging show a variety of physical and mental diseases linked to loneliness and isolation, including heart disease, high blood pressure and depression. An estimated 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's and the disease is the fifth leading cause of death for people over 65, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

The forum's keynote speaker, Dr. Patrick Arbore of the Institute on Aging, San Francisco, will give a presentation on how to build and maintain relationships as you grow older.  Dr. Arbore is a nationally-renowned speaker, researcher and author, particularly in the areas of mental health for older adults, suicide prevention, grief counseling, social isolation and substance abuse.  He is the founder of the Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief Related Services, which is now merged with the Institute on Aging.

The event's presentation on brain health will be given by two local experts in memory loss and care, Cindi Unger, a Coalition member and community outreach manager for Apex Care; and Kristin Einberger, director of the City of Fairfield's Senior Day Program.  Unger founded one of the first Alzheimer's care facilities in California and Einberger has been a speaker and trainer in the field throughout the Western United States. She is also author of several books on early memory loss.

Peter Wilson, director of the Florence Douglas Senior Center in Vallejo, will speak on the many offerings at his center and senior centers throughout the county and the important role senior centers play in the wellness of older adults.

Anne Lee, Diabetes Program Manager at Touro University, Mare Island, will speak on healthy nutrition.  The university's Mobile Diabetes Education Center will be onsite to do diabetes screenings and provide other information.  Lee is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator.

Rev. Fuentes, founder and executive director of Faith In Action, an organization of senior-care volunteers, will speak on the benefits of volunteering.  The organization's outreach specialist and volunteer recruiter Kenda Hejnicki will give a presentation on the many programs offered by FIA, including its rides to medical appointments for seniors and support groups offered by phone.

Tina Chechourka, volunteer coordinator for Solano County, will talk about volunteer opportunities and resources.  She has been director of the county's volunteer efforts for the past two years.

The event will end with a unique exercise called "Chair Bingo," where participants will do stretching exercises before marking their playing cards with the called bingo numbers.  Winners will receive door prizes and one lucky winner will receive a $100 cash prize.

Vendors at the event will include Touro University; Rockville Terrace; Hired Hands Homecare; New York Life; Yolo Hospice; Paradise Valley Estates; Apex Care; Solano Transportation; the Alzheimer's Association, Faith In Action, the Senior Coalition and Carquinez Village in Benicia.

Choice in Aging, a Multipurpose Senior Services Program, is sponsoring the appearance by Dr. Arbore. Other sponsors of the event include the City of Fairfield, the Senior Coalition and Faith In Action. Visit http://facebook.com/seniorcoalition14 for more information.

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About the Solano County Senior Coalition

The Solano County Senior Coalition is a 27-member advisory board to the Solano County Board of Supervisors, made up entirely of volunteers.  Its mission is to advocate for and support efforts that improve and enrich the lives of seniors living and working in Solano County.  Members include representatives from each county district and city; nonprofit and for-profit agencies that provide services to seniors; and people with expertise in law, legislation and housing.