We may be physically apart, with social and physical distancing in place for the foreseeable future, but AARP Connecticut hasn’t stopped providing valuable information and resources to people of all ages in communities across Connecticut. While convening in-person events and seeing people in communities across the state is a core part of our mission, we have changed our approach in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from providing information, advocacy and resources in-person to virtually.

Technology is a great enabler and can keep us connected to our members, thought leaders, partners and residents across Connecticut. Virtually connect, learn, explore and have fun throughout the year on important topics like fraud prevention, financial security, caregiving, living your best life and more.

Join us online to participate in a diverse lineup of free educational workshops and fun-with-purpose experiences throughout the year, including our weekly AARP Connecticut Webinar Wednesday Series. Learn about bicycle safety, the passion of birding and ways to unlock your creativity; get more information on safely voting by mail or in person this year, the new paid family leave and your electric choices; discover tips and tools for caregivers, and how to protect yourself from fraud; and hear a discussion on financial exploitation. You can also catch a free screening of the landmark documentary Gen Silent, join us for trivia night, hear from celebrity speakers and learn about the essentials any 50-and-over job seeker must consider during their job search, including experienced workers and encore career seekers.

AARP Connecticut and Mystic Seaport Museum invite you to free virtual behind-the-scenes tours and special in-depth conversations about the Seaport’s collections and exhibits. Connect, learn and explore with the AARP Mystic Mondays webinars on August 24, September 28 and October 19, from 12 to 1 p.m. These free virtual events will appeal to history lovers, maritime enthusiasts and people of all ages who are interested in learning more about America’s seafaring past. Each online event will include a live question and answer session. We anticipate offering similar online experiences at additional places such as Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.

Please visit www.aarp.org/ct regularly for more sessions and a variety of offerings. Registration is free, for people of all ages, and the majority are open to members and non-members. Log on and “see” us! To request a free AARP Connecticut conversation in your community, including resources and presenters for Spanish speakers, contact Erica Michalowski at emichalowski@aarp.org.

If you’ve never “attended” a virtual event before, it’s easy. Simply register for the offerings of interest to you. Then log in on the day and time of the event via the link you receive. If you are still new to online events and interested in boosting your comfort with technology and participating in virtual meetings, check out this helpful resource from AARP. For those interested in volunteering, your talents and experience are still needed. AARP's Create the Good program has developed a list of virtual/at-home service opportunities to consider. Check out www.aarp.org/virtualvolunteering.

We appreciate your interest in participating in our virtual events and value your joining us. AARP wishes you and your family continued health, and we will continue to provide information to help you and your loved ones stay safe. You can find AARP's coronavirus resources at www.aarp.org/coronavirus. We also point you to www.cdc.gov/coronavirus, and your state and local health agency for the latest information.

Nora Duncan is the state director for AARP Connecticut.