Oregon Vital Aging Conference Goes Virtual

It is said, the best way to predict the future is to create it! What are YOU doing to ensure your life is filled with vitality, vigor, and vision? Join AARP Oregon for the 10th annual Vital Aging conference.

Live. Learn. Connect.

Explore issues that matter to you and participate in sessions designed to inspire, refresh, and empower you to live your best life and help you shape the future you want. Topics include brain health, aging in place, the legacy of sharing your story through journaling and storytelling, and money matters. Both days will end with a bit of entertainment. Wednesday, Nov. 17, will close out with a concert (more details will be added soon!), and Nov. 18 will bring laughter to the forefront as comedienne Leigh Anne Jasheway highlights the importance of resilience through laughter. Check back for additional details on our schedule and speakers. 

Register now! Weblinks for conference sessions will be sent to you with reminders closer to date to the actual event. 

You'll find the complete schedule below. Check back often for updates!

Remember to register!

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Adaptive & Gentle Yoga
An active lifestyle combined with regular exercise leads to better brain function and overall wellness as we age. Join AARP for an hour-long adaptive and gentle chair yoga. If you want to gently and gradually increase flexibility or introduce greater mobility in your daily life, this is a great place to start. This session is designed for people of varied abilities and is mainly performed using a chair. Some standing is incorporated with modifications if necessary. Mindfulness and breathing are integral to the practice. It is helpful to have a folding chair or a chair without arms for this session. If you have a 4 "x 6 "x 9 "inch yoga block, keep it handy, a rolled bath towel will also do.
Speaker: Barb Deuwaarder

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Brain Health & Wellness
Exercise and eating right is good for your body -- including your brain! Join us for this session to hear from experts about what doctors say can keep our brains healthy. Sarah Lenz Lock, AARP senior vice president for policy and brain health, will discuss current research and health guidelines. Music therapist Jodi Winnwalker will share tips on how music can help us stay healthy and the practice of healing through music.
Moderator: Bandana Shrestha Speakers: Sarah Lenz Lock, Jodi Winnwalker

Exhibitor Hall/Breakout Sessions
Virtual rooms in Zoom
Two sessions 12:45 - 1:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Room 1
Filipino Kitchen
Learn about the Filipino culture from kitchen to table. You'll almost be able to smell it from your screen. Recipes will be shared. Speaker: Marvy Schuman

Room 2

Travel Oregon
Stephannie Lewis, Travel Advisor with Travel Oregon, will provide an overview of all of the wonderful places that Oregon has to offer. She will focus on scenic spots throughout the state that should be on your bucket list. She will also provide some travel suggestions for those without transportation. You can access these locations via public transit, bicycle, or by foot/wheelchair. This is your opportunity to get your questions answered about those places you've always wondered about.

Room 3
AARP Driver's Safety - Technology to Extend Mobility
Learn how vehicle safety technologies can extend your safe driving years and how transportation apps can connect you to other transportation options when you prefer not to drive yourself. Speaker: Michelle Monje, AARP Driver Safety

Room 4
AARP Hospitality Lounge
Stop by the hospitality lounge and learn more about AARP's local, state, and national work.
Your Hosts: Arlene Krasner

2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

"Aging in Community" - Options for Your Future
In this session, you will learn about innovative efforts that help keep people in their homes and community. A "village" is a group of like-minded people in a geographic area who come together to figure out and develop the resources they will need to age comfortably in their own homes. Villages embrace the strategy of bringing services to people rather than moving people to services. Rebuilding Together Rogue Valley's Safe-at-Home program has been developed to help older adults and persons with disabilities safely "age-in-place" as long as possible in their current homes by preventing falls and improving accessibility.
Moderator: Bill Armbruster, Sr. Advisor, AARP Speakers: Lyn Trainer, Katherine Danner, Dave Doi

6:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Fall Concert Series: Crys Matthews and Nell & Jim
Join us for this special Salute to Veterans with Crys Matthews and Nell & Jim. The genre-busting artists deliver original music and stories, startlingly fresh arrangements, delivered with virtuosic improvisation. This session features blues musician Crys Matthews, Jim Nunally & Nell Robinson.

Thursday, Nov. 18

10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Tai Chi
Tai Chi, also known as Taiji, was developed in China. It combines deep breathing, and martial arts moves choreographed into slow and gentle movements. Strength, balance, and fitness are a few things Tai Chi can improve when put into practice. Start your day with this gentle introduction to Tai Chi.
Speaker: Edward Brewington

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Pocketbook Management
This session will bring highlight financial issues that hit your wallet. Attorney Ryan Collier will share information about wills and trusts. How complicated are they? And who needs one? We'll also hear from DevNW asset building specialist Joanne Di Paola about how you can continue to build weather before and after retirement. Then, KGW Investigative Reporter Kyle Iboshi will share stories he's covered as part of his consumer protection beat. Learn tips on how to stay safe and outsmart the con artists.
Moderator: Carmel Snyder Speakers: Ryan Collier, Kyle Iboshi, Joanne Di Paola

Exhibit Halls/Breakout Sessions
Two sessions 12:45 - 1:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Room 1
Mindfulness
This mini-workshop will introduce you to mindfulness practice. The certified instructor will lead you through the intricate interaction between body and mind through stillness and movement. Speaker: Nando Raynolds

Room 2
Fraud Prevention Workshop
Scammers never stop working to find ways to steal your money. Learn tips on how to protect yourself and your money and fight back against scams. Learn the tricks fraudsters use to fight back against scams. Speaker: Bill Hamilton

Room 3
Filipino Music featuring the Bandurria – Traditional Filipino string instrument
In this session, you will learn about the tradition of Bandurria music. Bandurria, also called mandurria, stringed musical instrument of the lute family, with a design derived from the cittern and guitar.  Speaker: Ernie Quilban

Room 4
Travel & Packing Tips
It won't be long before we're all out on the road again. Regain some of those long-lost skills and learn how to pack efficiently for your next trip. 
Speaker: Anne McAlpin, AAA, Travel Expert

Room 5
AARP Driver's Safety - Transportation Resources for Caregivers
Get tips on how to find other transportation options to keep your loved one safe and mobile when you can’t drive them yourself. Speaker: Abray Stillson, AARP Driver Safety

Room 6
AARP Hospitality Lounge
Stop by the hospitality lounge and learn more about AARP's local, state, and national work. Your Hosts: Michael Mace

2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Finding Your Voice - Storytelling
Ever thought about journaling or writing your memoir or just passing down stories to your family. Learn from these masters to bring your stories to life. Artist Hannah Ineson's beautiful presentation will inspire you to create your own personal art journal using sketching and water coloring.  Native American Traditional Storyteller, Poet, Performer, and Lecturer Ed Edmo will talk about the importance of storytelling throughout Native American history and tell a short story of his own.
Moderator: Geneva Craig Speakers: Hannah Ineson, Ed Edmo

6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Get Your Shot of Laughter
Comedienne Leigh Anne Jasheway knows how to have a good time, and a pandemic is not going to stop her from looking at the funny side of things. Join us for a laugh or two during the last session of Vital Aging 2021. You'll thank us for it in the morning.
Speaker: Leigh Anne Jasheway