On Friday October 21, 2011 more than 145 community members and stakeholders came together for the SLO 2025 Senior Symposium - a daylong conversation about the future of aging in San Luis Obispo County. Participants from all walks of life joined together for a series of table discussions, presentations, and educational workshops to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the community and to explore concrete actions and collaboration needed to address them. This was not just a meeting to talk about problems; it was an interactive dialogue to start solving them.

To see the results of the Symposium, download the final report here. (PDF - updated 11-11-14)

SLO 2025 Senior Symposium by the Numbers

• Six elected leaders
• One nationally recognized keynote speaker
• Five-member panel of local leaders
• 30 breakout session presenters (local experts and specialists)
• 145 participants
• Six sponsors
• Two technologies (networked lap tops and electronic polling key pads)

As a result of the Senior Symposium, there have been some exciting developments over the last few months. Here are a few recent success stories:

Spreading the Word – The results of the Senior Symposium have been shared widely in the media via the Tribune, appearances on the Dave Congalton Show, and a presentation to the Health Commission. More community presentations are planned for 2012.

Service Connections – Several organizations that provide transportation established a new partnership to share information and resources in an effort to avoid duplication of efforts.

Affirming the Outcomes – At a recent networking event, prospective a group of informed philanthropists in San Luis Obispo County were asked to name their top three issues of concern, and the number two priority was to address issues of aging.

If you have made some new connections, shared information about the challenges facing older adults, or connected a problem with a solution – we want to hear your story.

The October 21st Senior Symposium was not just a meeting to talk about problems; it was an interactive dialogue to start solving them. If you would like to get involved with the Senior Symposium to share resources, insights, or other ideas to move the action forward, please submit the following information to the planning team: