The 20th Annual Healthy Living Festival, hosted by the United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County (USOAC), is just around the corner. Scheduled for September 28th at the Oakland Zoo, this event aims to promote health, wellness, and a sense of community among the county's mature adults, providing a fun and engaging platform to tackle the rising incidence of chronic diseases among this population.
Alameda County, home to over 1.6 million people, boasts a large population of residents aged 65 and above. In 2022, US Census data reported that approximately 15.7% of Alameda County's residents, or more than 255,000 individuals, were aged 65 and above. The USOAC estimates an even broader demographic, stating that around half a million Alameda County residents are mature adults between the ages 55 to 85.
This annual festival, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the Oakland-based senior organization, will feature a range of free outdoor activities, food, and music. Nate Miley, Alameda County Board of Supervisors President and president of USOAC, anticipates around 3,000 senior citizens attending the event this year as per Patch. The organization's mission, according to Miley, is "to provide institutional support for seniors... to enable the elderly to address their critical issues and to change the conditions that impact their lives."
For visitors interested in attending the Healthy Living Festival, registration is required in advance to ensure enough resources are available for all guests. Those accompanying a registered guest are also welcome, provided they register ahead of time according to Eventbrite. The festival will take place from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Oakland Zoo, located at 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA.
By hosting the Annual Healthy Living Festival, the United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County, established in 1986, aim to "make a positive impact" on the incidence of nationally leading chronic diseases among mature adults in the county. These illnesses include dementia, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and hypertension. Through a series of yearlong events and the annual outdoor festival, the organization builds awareness of older adult issues, holds public officials accountable, increases senior involvement, champions successful aging, and promotes active civic engagement and senior advocacy. Since its inception, USOAC has fostered a community of over 13,000 members, all working towards improving the quality of life for mature adults in Alameda County according to Patch.
