Staying mentally sharp as we age, safeguarding against scams, and hearing the latest updates from the CalPERS CEO were among the most engaging topics at the 2026 CalPERS Stakeholder Forum.
This annual event also provided updates on the pension system’s financial health, health care initiatives, and commitment to transparency and member service. Here are some highlights.
Brain Health and Healthy Aging: New Frontiers in Science and Prevention
Experts from UC Davis Health’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center discussed ways to boost brain health and reduce dementia risk through lifelong preventive care, starting at birth.
They emphasized the importance of managing preventable diseases—such as diabetes and hypertension—which are linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
As one expert noted, “The brain changes long before you get to the dementia stage.”
Safeguarding Your Identity: Essential Strategies for Staying Safe
Identity theft is a growing concern and protecting your CalPERS retirement account is more important than ever. Experts shared practical steps members can take to guard against scams, cyber fraud, and security breaches.
Due to the surge in data breaches over the past five years, much of our personal information is already available online. “At this point, it’s safe to say that all of our information—our Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and phone numbers—is out there on the web somewhere,” said Al Arboleda, CalPERS Chief Information Security Officer.
The number of people with access to our data has multiplied dramatically over the last decade. As Arboleda emphasized, “You can’t just rely on hoping your information won’t be used for cyber fraud. Taking proactive steps is essential.”
State of the System: CalPERS’ Financial Standing
CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost presented an overview of CalPERS’ financial position, including portfolio size ($606 billion as of Jan. 16, 2026), member demographics, and the impact of the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) tier on cost savings for public employers.
She also highlighted the fund’s strengthened financial position with an 11.6% investment return for the last fiscal year, bringing the funded level to 79% as of June 30, 2025.