Published 07-03-08
Submitted by MetLife Foundation
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:
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.
MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. MetLife and MetLife Foundation have invested more than $15 million for Alzheimer's research and public information programs, including $10 million through the Awards for Medical Research program. Working with the Alzheimer's Association, the Foundation has supported caregiving videos, resources for the Hispanic community and the Safe Return identification program, which addresses the problem of senior wandering. The Foundation has expanded its focus on aging issues, including helping people remain physically and mentally fit and remaining engaged in the community. It also supports programs addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities and volunteer opportunities. Grants support health, education, and civic and cultural programs. More information about MetLife Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.
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