- May 7, 2024
- AD Staff Writer
- News
Advancing Partnerships: Highlights from the C4A Annual Conference
Members of the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A) convened from across the state for the annual conference held in San Jose from May 1 to May 3.
The event served as a crucial platform for aging and disability network leaders, advocates, policymakers, and stakeholders to delve into recent national and state aging and disability policy updates, explore the evolution of existing programs and services, and discuss innovative solutions in the face of budgetary constraints.
Themed “The Best is Yet to Come,” the conference centered on Best Practices & Innovation Programs, Collaborations that Work, Building Organizational Capacity, and Policy, Advocacy, & Action.
Dr. Laura Trejo, Director of the Aging & Disabilities Department, delivered an engaging presentation, sharing evidence-based health strategies aimed at improving outcomes for Medicare beneficiaries and the broader community.
Representatives from all 33 Area Agencies on Aging across California were in attendance, reflecting a concerted effort to prepare the state for an impending demographic shift toward a larger population of older adults.
Jarrell Griffin, Acting Assistant Director, highlighted the importance of Age Friendly Communities, emphasizing the necessity for collaborative input from all community stakeholders to enhance livability for aging populations.
Attending staff members underscored discussions around the growing trend of individuals living longer and remaining in the workforce, preferring to age-in-place rather than reside in long-term care facilities. He stressed the significance of partnership between government agencies and community resources to support these individuals effectively.
Others noted the conference’s emphasis on networking opportunities within the aging community, with a notable focus on disabilities alongside nutrition. Lehman’s team presentation on CalFresh Healthy Living and Wiser Dining garnered substantial interest and engagement.
Attendees echoed the sentiment that the conference broadened their understanding of various programs, initiatives, and innovations positively impacting older adults and individuals with disabilities.
As a prominent Area Agency on Aging (AAA) for a sizable county, the Aging & Disabilities Department finds value in participating in conferences like C4A’s, both in benefiting from shared insights and contributing to the collective advancement of aging and disability services statewide.