Healthy Living Festival Encourages Seniors to Stay Physically, Civically Engaged

From Office of Alameda County Supervisorb:

The United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County (USOAC) a non-profit, community organizing and advocacy organization, will host its 13th annual Healthy Living Festival on Thursday, Sept. 15. The largest health resource fair for seniors in the county, the event is free and will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oakland Zoo, located at 9777 Golf Links Rd.

The festival will feature 100 education resource booths promoting healthy living and successful aging.

"It’s a pleasure to partner with USOAC and host the Healthy Living Festival at Oakland Zoo once again. We look forward to another great event in helping connect our community and zoo together through the United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County organization," said Dr. Joel Parrot, president and CEO of Oakland Zoo.

Seniors also will have an opportunity to learn about various countywide ballot measures to be presented to voters in the Nov. 8 general election. Information will be distributed about Alameda County's $580 million affordable housing bond, Measure A1, as well as AC Transit’s Parcel Tax Renewal Measure C1, reauthorizing a tax first passed in 2002 to preserve essential local transportation and bus maintenance services, and BART's bond proposal, Measure RR, focused on paying for upgrades to electrical and train-control systems, rails and stations.

"The festival is a chance for seniors to have fun and keep them active and thriving," said Lois Snell, USOAC board member. "We also want to promote lifelong civic learning and engagement among older adults."

Other planned activities include health screenings, medication take back, Tai Chi, Zumba and free entrance into the zoo. This year, seniors also can participate in a letter signing to thank the City of Oakland for supporting SOS Meals on Wheels food delivery services in Oakland and central Alameda County.

Due to budget limitations, the program in Oakland was in crisis and the senior services community wants to express their appreciation to Oakland officials who stepped up to the plate to support the program for frail seniors, with significant financial support for FY 2016-17.

Further information is available through the USOAC website.

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