HARRISBURG — Continuing its work on the growing issue of social isolation among older adults, the Pennsylvania Council on Aging announced it will host a Social Isolation Symposium.

The event will present information and resources to individuals who work with older adults, including caregivers, health care staff, stakeholders and the public. Titled “Directions for Connections,” this first-of-its-kind event in Pennsylvania will feature nationally known speakers focusing on the impact of social isolation, and how to get older adults engaged to ensure their continued health and wellbeing.

The two-day virtual event on March 23 and March 24 will offer attendees a chance to participate in more than a dozen workshop sessions or select those of particular interest. Among the featured speakers will be Patrick Arbore, Ed.D, founder and director of the Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention and Grief Related Services (CESP), who will discuss loneliness and social isolation and the urban minority elderly; Im Ja Choi, founder and CEO of Penn Asian Senior Services (PASSi), who will present how to virtually connect with Asian Pacific American older adults; and Dr. Barry Jacobs, a noted clinical psychologist and family therapist, who will speak about engaging, supporting and empowering family caregivers. Additional session topics will include how to prevent social isolation among LGBTQ older adults; supporting seniors to stay healthy during a pandemic; using partnerships and collaborations to reduce social isolation; staying social in a socially distanced world; and getting seniors online.

People interested in attending can view the discussion topics and sign up on the Council on Aging’s website.