Edward James Olmos to speak at conference on aging

By: BRADLEY J. FIKES - Staff Writer | Saturday, June 2, 2007 7:24 PM PDT ∞

Actor Edward James Olmos will be the keynote speaker at San Diego County's Vital Aging Conference. The conference takes place from 9 a.m. (registration begins at 7:30 a.m.) to 2 p.m. June 15 in San Diego and Escondido.

The San Diego conference will be held at Town & Country Resort (Grand Exhibit Hall), 500 Hotel Circle North. The North County location is the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. Olmos will speak in San Diego, with his keynote address simulcast to the Escondido location.

The other speakers for each site will be different, but focusing on similar topics. There will be exhibitors at both locations. Respite care for caregivers will be available on a limited basis, and limited free transportation is also available. Reservations are required: See www.sharp.com/seniors or call (800) 827-4277.

Cost in San Diego is $15 (plus $5 for hotel parking). In North County, the cost is $5. The event includes light breakfast, speakers, interactive exhibits and lunch.

Olmos is known for his roles in "Battlestar Galactica," "Stand and Deliver" and "Miami Vice." He will talk about his role as the national spokesperson for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Diabetes is an increasing problem among older adults and Latinos in San Diego County. The conference will include free screenings for diabetes.

The Vital Aging Conference is coordinated by the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency's Aging & Independence Services. Besides diabetes, this year's event will focus on nutrition, fitness and managing stress.

Besides the agency, sponsors include AARP, Sharp HealthCare, Interfaith Community Services, American Diabetes Association, At Your Home FamilyCare, Heritage Senior Care, Inc., Meals-on-Wheels Greater San Diego, Inc., Villas Las Palmas and the George G. Glenner Alzheimer's Family Centers Inc., Health Care Group, and Secure Horizons.

Contact staff writer Bradley J. Fikes at (760) 739-6641 or bfikes@nctimes.com.

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