UC Retiree Learning Series

Partnering with Bay Area Retirement Communities to increase lifelong learning

Partnering with Bay Area retirement communities Belmont Village Albany and St. Paul's Towers and San Francisco Towers, Front Porch Senior Living Communities, the series expands learning opportunities to retirees while providing an opportunity for retirees to learn about Bay Area retirement communities. Through the generous support provided by our host communities, there is no cost for participants.

Upcoming Events


Summer 2024 

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Using Virtual Reality for Well-being, Social Connections, and Meaningful Experiences

Tuesday, July 16th, 2:00 - 3:00pm

In person at Belmont Village Albany, 1100 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706

Click here to register.

Speakers:

  • Eugy Han, Communication PhD Candidate, Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University
  • Ryan Christopher Moore, Communication PhD Candidate, Social Media Lab at Stanford University; Incoming Assistant Professor at UT Austin

This lecture delves into the past, present, and future of research on XR technology, which encompasses augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (AR, VR, and MR). We will cover what the technology is, how it works, and its various applications in education, socializing, healthcare, and beyond.

We examine how various factors can shape people’s experiences within these virtual environments. In the second half of the lecture, we will focus on how older adults uniquely interact with VR. We will discuss the specific benefits VR can offer to older adults, such as enhanced physical and mental well-being through immersive exercises and cognitive training, opportunities for social engagement and reducing feelings of isolation, and therapeutic uses in managing pain and anxiety.

We will also address the challenges, including the need for age-friendly designs and considerations for usability and comfort. Through real-world examples and interactive demonstrations, attendees will gain insight into how VR can enrich the lives of older adults and the importance of creating inclusive VR experiences that cater to their needs. Join us to discover the exciting potential of VR and how it can transform.


View Past Events Below

You can watch past UCRLS lectures at the Retirement Center YouTube channel by clicking here. The most recent lectures are posted below.

Dr. Walsh on Sleep in Aging

Christine M Walsh, PhD, Associate Professor, Sleep in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease Program, Memory & Aging Center, UCSF Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences.

This presentation will focus on how sleep loss affects the brain, how it may contribute to neurodegenerative disease and the underlying mechanistic changes that are occurring.

UCRLS with St. Paul's Towers and SF Towers: The Lost Ethical Language of New Deal Public Works, April 2023

UCRLS with Front Porch: The Lost Ethical Language of New Deal Public Works

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: THE NEW DEAL LEGACY IN THE BAY AREA, FEB 2023

Hiding in Plain Sight: The New Deal Legacy in the Bay Area

Health After 60, October 2022

UCRLS Hosted by Grand Lake Gardens: Health After 60

Cleopatra of Egypt: Her Image, Her Lovers, Her Ambitions, Her End, April 2022

Cleopatra of Egypt: Her Image, Her Lovers, Her Ambitions, Her End

Mary Power: Lessons Learned from the River Food Webs in Mendocino County

Hosted by Covia, a Front Porch Community on Thursday, October 14th, 2021 - 11:00 am PT
Speaker: Mary Power, Professor of Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley; Faculty Reserve Manager, Angelo Coast Range Reserve
To access this video, click here enter enter the password UCRL-Oct2021.

Understanding Diabetes, Nov 10, 2021

Understanding Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes, The Risk Factors [Webinar]

The Science of Gratitude, Nov 2023

The Science of Gratitude

Helping Communities Reduce Wildfire Risk and Respond to Natural Disasters More Quickly and More Safely, April 2023

Helping Communities Reduce Wildfire Risk and Respond to Natural Disasters

Nordic Winter Holiday Traditions, Dec 2022

Nordic Winter Holiday Traditions

People living with dementia and their familial caregivers: A shared journey, April 2022

People living with dementia and their familial caregivers: A shared journey

Understanding Gentrification. Hosted by Covia, A Front Porch Community, November 2021

Understanding Gentrification. Hosted by Covia, A Front Porch Community

The Day of the Dead as Mexican National Symbol, Oct 6, 2021

UC Retiree Learning Series: The Day of the Dead as Mexican National Symbol