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Upcoming in the VGCOA Webinar Series:
​​MARCH 24, 2026​
1pm-2pm
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"Social Respite Programs for Dementia: Fostering Connections, Community and Purpose"
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Virginia has a growing number of social respite programs that meet a clear need in the continuum of dementia supports: providing social engagement and respite opportunities for people living with dementia, their caregivers and the volunteers that support these programs. Even in the early stages of the disease, people living with dementia can become increasingly isolated. These programs provide a space for socializing, participating in activities and providing purpose for people who may not need the full range of supports provided by traditional adult day programs.
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Speaker Information Coming Soon!
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REGISTER FOR THE MARCH WEBINAR
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Recently in the VGCOA Webinar Series:
JANUARY 2026 Webinar
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"Dementia and Elder Abuse: Understanding the Increased Risk"
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Research has shown that individuals living with dementia have much higher rates of elder abuse compared to the general population of older adults. This abuse often goes undetected due to challenges with memory, communication, and judgement. Along with highlighting dementia as a significant risk factor for elder abuse, attendees will learn about warning signs and how to effectively support survivors.
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DECEMBER 2025 WEBINAR
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"Disrupting Ageism through Lifelong Learning: An innovative Approach to Promoting Purpose, Belonging, and Mental Stimulation"
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This webinar presents a glimpse into elder roles and the importance of exploring a "Big Why." Participants hear about age oppression and how internalized ageism can interfere with the anticipation of elderhood and fulfillment of elder roles. The whole-person lifespan approach to aging and longevity will be introduced, and the tasks of elderhood will be explored. Guided by evidence-based gerontological practice, consideration will be given to the importance of co-creating an elderhood worth anticipating through lifelong learning.
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October 2025 WEBINAR
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"Collaborative Efforts to Improve Cancer Prevention and Treatment in Virginia"
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​Cancer is too big a problem to fight alone, and the risk of cancer only increases with age. As Virginia’s aging population grows so will the impact of cancer. Learn about current cancer screening recommendations for individuals over 50, how cancer is a chronic condition, ways to improve quality of life for survivors, and how together we can reduce the burden of cancer for all Virginians.
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SEPTEMBER WEBINAR
"Bridging Generations: Building Civically Engaged Communities"
Virginia faces a significant civic engagement gap—26% of older adults report difficulties participating in civic life, contributing to social isolation and impacting well-being. Discover how VPAP's Civics Navigator addresses these challenges by empowering older adults through practical tools like the "All Politics is Local" lookup tool and personalized civic engagement planning, while reducing isolation through meaningful connections across generations and communities. Learn proven strategies to transform experienced community members into informed, active civic participants while building social bonds that strengthen well-being for people of all ages and backgrounds. This webinar will be facilitated by Erin Hill, VPAP's Civics Education Program Director.
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August 2025 Webinar
"Inspiring Confident, Competent and Compassionate Caregivers"
Confident, competent and compassionate caregivers blend the best practices of family caregivers past and present, current education, and empathy. Both family and professional caregivers benefit from tools, resources, and best practices to provide care that is proactive, person centered, and builds on past successes. Learn innovative ways that Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) and community partners are providing programs and resources to meet these goals and share ideas with each other. Participants will learn about VPAS' Intergenerational Respite Care Program, No Senior Eats Alone Initiative, VPAS caregiver Support, Age Friendly Inclusive Design and Resources, and Dementia Friendly Initiatives. Discussion and brainstorming will be
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ADD US TO YOUR CALENDAR!
Want to add the VGCoA Webinar Series to your calendar so you never miss a session? Use the link below to add our public calendar to your Google, Outlook, ical, or other digital calendar.
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Add to Outlook, iCal or other digital calendar*
*this will download a .ics file that will sync with your calendar
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Having troubles adding or accessing the public VGCoA Webinar Calendar?
Contact VGCoA Staff,
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Interested in presenting?
Have a topic you would like us to cover?
Contact, Gillian Saul, gillian@vgcoa.com
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