LINE DANCING AND BLUES MUSIC brought people to their feet at the Oakland Zoo during the 22nd annual Healthy Living Festival for older adults, an event sponsored by elected leaders in Alameda County and local community organizations.
Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, whose district includes portions of Oakland and Pleasanton, coordinated with the nonprofit United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County to host the resource fair and community gathering for older adults living in the area.
“We want seniors to be civically engaged, and we want them to be knowledgeable and not feel isolated from the community around them,” said Miley. “It gives me a lot of joy to see so many seniors from throughout the community and from different cultures and backgrounds and ethnicities all together.”
Over 4,000 people registered for the free event on Thursday, where over 100 organizations set up booths in the parking lot right in front of the Oakland Zoo’s entrance highlighting important services and information community members should know about.
BART had a booth helping seniors get discounted fares on the system, the League of Women Voters assisted people with registering to vote, and county agencies offered basic medical screenings.
Attendees were seen smiling as they danced and talked to each other, helping to create a lively atmosphere as the warm summer afternoon sun shone directly above.
The event had a main stage with live music, group exercises, and other performances.
In between dance sessions, Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson spoke to the crowd about her office’s mission to prosecute elder abuse cases and work to protect older residents.
The county’s Adult Protective Services unit in its Social Services Agency states on its website that it receives more than 6,000 reports of elder abuse each year and says it remains one of the area’s most underrepresented crimes.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee also spoke about her administration’s work to promote a healthier and older population.
“This is a fun day, but it’s also a day to remember to remember what we have to do each and every day to be at least 105,” said Lee. “It means taking care of our seniors and having more activities for them.”
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau numbers, Alameda County is estimated to currently have more than 270,000 individuals over the age of 65.
However, the California Department of Finance’s population projections estimated that number could grow to over 500,000 by 2050.
As Californians are living longer, events like the Healthy Living Festival will continue to be a tool for people looking to be informed and find community.
Attendees traveled from across Alameda County as well as neighboring counties because they found value in events like the fair.
“I came with a group of people but now we are spread out everywhere at this event having fun,” said Oakland resident Esther Chambers, who attended with her senior home. “It feels like we are one big community that is together having fun and helping each other out.”
“I like learning about the new services and getting the free items and check-ups,” said Pittsburg resident Jeanie Hunter.
“I like that we are next to the zoo and that is also a fun thing to do while we are here,” said Vernetta McHenry. “I just want to enjoy myself.”
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