Join us for an inspiring and transformative talk on the science of living longer and healthier. Discover how groundbreaking research is revealing the secrets to longevity—helping people stay active, independent, and full of life well into their later years. This is your chance to learn how science is redefining what it means to age well and to gain practical insights you can start using right away to live your healthiest, happiest life. In this engaging and uplifting session, Dr. Aladdin Shadyab will share powerful insights from decades of research on what allows some individuals to thrive well into their 90s and beyond. He’ll explore the essential connections between weight management, diet, exercise, and brain health, and discuss the latest discoveries on Alzheimer’s disease prevention and the biology of aging. You’ll walk away with clear, evidence-based strategies to boost your vitality, sharpen your mind, and enjoy life to the fullest at every age. Dr. Aladdin H. Shadyab, Associate Professor of Public Health, Human Longevity Science, and Medicine at the University of California San Diego, is a leading expert on healthy aging and longevity. With over 300 scientific publications, his pioneering research uncovers the keys to exceptional longevity—revealing how people can live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives. His work offers practical, science-backed insights to help everyone thrive throughout every stage of life.

Meaningful relationships with family, friends, and community have a profound impact on how we age, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Jocelyn Protopappas, a Registered Dietitian and public health expert at the Center for Excellence in Aging and Longevity, will share research-backed insights on the role of social engagement in healthy aging. Learn practical strategies to strengthen your connections, foster belonging, and create a supportive environment that helps you thrive at every stage of life. Jocelyn Protopappas, MPH, MSW, RD, brings over a decade of experience in nutrition, wellness, and public health. As Manager of Special Projects at the SDSU Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity, she leads initiatives that promote age-friendly communities and the well-being of older adults. She is also the founder of Peas & Pappas Consulting, a nutrition and wellness practice empowering older adults and caregivers. With experience in clinical dietetics, research, and program development, Jocelyn combines scientific expertise with community-centered compassion. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Dietetics from the University of Pittsburgh and dual master’s degrees in Public Health and Social Work from San Diego State University. Deeply committed to health equity and food justice, her work reflects a passion for creating inclusive environments where people can age with health, dignity, and connection.

Declining memory and cognition can be scary, and raises concerns about a neurodegenerative dementia such as Alzheimer disease and others. A better understanding of fundamental aspects of dementia can not only alleviate unnecessary confusion, but also embolden people towards preventive action and thoughtful planning. As such, Dr. Gilbert Ho, will help us to discover the exact nature of dementia, a unique window to aging and humanity. He will explore the underlying brain changes down to the molecular level, contrasting normal aging and dementia, and how they relate to disease progression and the cognitive, behavioral, and functional symptoms. Certainly, being the hardest of scientific challenges, dementia science has progressed dramatically, leading to exciting new dementia detection methods and revolutionary treatments, potentially preventing or delaying the progression of such diseases. He will provide practical guidance on what questions to ask your doctor to better understand your brain health and plan for the future. Dr. Gilbert Ho is a Geriatric Neurologist and Director of the PCND Neurology and PCND Neuroscience Research Institute (PNRI). Trained in Adult Neurology at the UC Irvine and in Geriatric Neurology and Dementia at the UC San Diego, he specializes in memory and cognitive disorders and neurodegenerative dementias. Dr. Ho has published over 50 scientific articles and leads cutting-edge research focused on early diagnosis, innovative treatments, and improving care for older adults living with Alzheimer's and related conditions. The Center for Memory and Aging at PCND is focused on treating memory and dementia patients over 20+ years in our Poway/Rancho Bernardo and Carlsbad locations, and with PNRI, conducts both clinical and translational memory research.