San Diego Oasis Hosts Region’s Largest Tech Fair for Older Adults

In October 2019, leaders at San Diego Oasis, an award-winning nonprofit organization serving people age 50 and better throughout the county, hosted an immersive technology event designed to help ease frustration when it comes to smartphones, computers, tablets, apps, telemedicine, and much more.

The “Get Connected: Technology Fair for 50+” attracted more than 1,000 San Diego County residents at the Reading Cinemas at Grossmont Center, just steps away from the San Diego Oasis Lifelong Learning Center. “Get Connected” is the region’s largest tech event for older adults, and is designed to be upbeat, inviting, and stimulating. Organizers took great care to curate the best presenters and satisfy attendee needs.

“There was so much positive energy among our attendees and the response to learn about technology, from the basics to advanced topics was incredible,” says Simona Valanciute, president and CEO, San Diego Oasis.

“Get Connected” featured 24 free workshops and consultations with tech experts in a one-on-one environment to answer just about any kind of tech question. The workshops were led by industry experts from local companies, who presented a range of topics for beginners to experienced tech users, such as “10 Apps You Should Have On Your Smartphone,” “Conquering Your Passwords,” “Avoiding Thieves and Scammers in a Digital World,” and “Money and Tech: Is Your Digital Wallet Ready?” Presenters were multi-generational, diverse, and have varying perspectives. “Peer to peer learning creates a comfortable, non-threatening environment,” continues Valanciute. “Students leave our event feeling motivated and empowered to further use the smart technology they have at their fingertips.”

Attendees also had an up close look at a Tesla Model 3 and Model 5 vehicles, learning about charging options, federal tax credits, and state rebates on electric vehicles. Opportunity drawings for some exciting tech-related gifts were held throughout the day.

San Diego Oasis Offers Tech Classes Year-Round
If you missed this year’s Tech Fair, don’t worry. San Diego Oasis hosts technology classes and workshops throughout the year at their locations in Grossmont Center, Escondido, and across the county. Visit www.SanDiegoOasis.org for more information and to register for classes.

The 2019 “Get Connected: Technology Fair for 50+” was hosted by San Diego Oasis and sponsored by County of San Diego Health & Human Services Agency. Sponsors include AARP, AirBnB, Anthem Blue Cross, AT&T, Care Patrol, Clear Captions, Grossmont Center, Kind, Nurse Next Door, Palomar Health, SDFF, San Diego Rotary, SDGE, Sharp Healthcare, Submarina, and Thrivent Financial.