The aging demographics of San Diego County are consistent with the national trend. Adults age 65 and older represent the fastest-growing segment of the population, with the number of those age 85 and older expected to increase by 175 percent by 2030, representing 16 percent of San Diego residents by 2020.# University City, La Jolla and the University of California, San Diego, the areas of San Diego encompassing ZIP codes 92122, 92037 and 92121, are home to 14,195 individuals over the age of 65. Of the older adult residents, 54 percent are over the age of 75, and 35 percent are over 80. This demographic information comes from the San Diego Association of Governments. As the population ages, more adult children are finding themselves caring for an older parent or relative, often with little knowledge of what resources exist in their community. Caregivers who work full-time face the challenges of balancing work, caregiving and caring for other family members. including their partner or children. Family members worry about leaving their relatives sitting home alone, for both safety and socialization issues. The stress of caring for an aging parent often results in higher levels of anxiety, guilt and depression experienced by the caregiver, leaving little energy to look for relief. Programs like the University City Older Adult Center (UCOAC) assists caregivers with a source of respite. UCOAC, a program of Jewish Family Service, operates at Congregation Beth Israel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The center offers a variety of programs, including current event discussions, entertainment, exercise, games, lectures, lunch and movies. The center is a haven for those who have been recently widowed, have lost their driver’s licenses due to infirmity or have become socially isolated. The program brings important information to seniors, keeps them involved in their community and connects them to others, providing the opportunity to sustain friendships and make new ones. The program’s professional, nurturing staff understands and respects the aging process and provides the individual attention that participants need. Seniors who benefit from the UCOAC include individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, as well as those who are socially isolated, struggling with depression and need daytime care. Several seniors attend the program with their caregivers and others attend by themselves by utilizing transportation provided by the center. The center is open to all seniors regardless of religion. Programs like the UCOAC are invaluable to our community. These programs are an asset to the seniors they serve but also to the person who is responsible for their care. It’s important to know that your loved one is in a safe place where he or she can exercise, eat a nutritious lunch, listen to entertaining musicians and most importantly, become connected to an accepting community. The program also offers a monthly caregiver support group in which caregivers can process and share resources with each other. For more information about the UCOAC, call (858) 550-5998 or email [email protected]. You can also visit our website at www.jfssd.org/ucoac. — Craig Lambert, a licensed clinical social worker, is the senior director of Older Adult Services at Jewish Family Service.