The pandemic has changed how we go about our daily lives and how we plan our adventures from home. Fortunately, technology has been a great tool that keeps us socially connected and mentally engaged. Thanks to technology, people can virtually learn, explore and have fun throughout the year on a variety of experiences like fraud prevention, financial security, caregiving and living their best life.

Over the past year, you could explore ways to manage stress and anxiety, and the link between mental health and physical activity as part of a Virtual Wellness Series; hear an award-winning songwriter tell her inspiring journey of transformation after an accident; learn the origin story of Cinco de Mayo; examine what the history of the East India Trading Company can teach us about the relationship between corporate interests and the state today; and discover new healthy recipes for all seasons that are sure to become favorites. And that’s just a few of the many opportunities available from AARP Connecticut.

We are continuously updating our website with new and exciting events and webinars that will appeal to people of all ages. Registration is free and the majority are open to members and non-members.

For example, join us virtually for an evening of original Latin jazz music by The Latin Heartbeat Orchestra, featuring special guest musicians Kevin Figueroa, and Zacai and Luques Curtis, on Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m. In addition, the event will include William Mendoza, The Latin Heartbeat Orchestra producer/director, talking about the music and its connection to culture, and offer attendees resources on brain health for family caregivers. Learn more and register (registration is required) at www.bit.ly/LatinHeartbeat.

COVID-19 has taught us a lot, but it’s also taught some of the dishonest individuals out there how to scam people in new ways. Fraud prevention events have always been some of our most popular and important, but then AARP Connecticut volunteers Marilyn Diaz and Migdalia Cruz figured out that they could reach more people with each virtual fraud webinar if they presented it in both Spanish and English.

“Language does not stop scammers and non-English speakers are part of the millions that get scammed every day,” Diaz told me. Cruz added, “We want everyone to become more familiar with the actual scams, prevention tips and resources available to help them. Besides the common scams, we don’t want the Latino community to be victimized because they don’t have the language to defend themselves from these fraudsters.”

Learn the tips and tools to protect yourself – in English and Spanish – at their upcoming event on Wednesday, May 26, at 1 p.m. Register at aarp.cvent.com/SpanishWWMay16.

AARP Connecticut hasn’t stopped providing valuable information and resources to people of all ages in communities across Connecticut. Virtually connect, learn, explore and have fun all year with our free experiences and webinars open to people of all ages. Visit www.aarp.org/CTEvents to see our offerings.

Nora Duncan is the state director for AARP Connecticut.