The aging and disability networks have worked for years to tackle the social isolation of older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers through social engagement programming. This is why engAGED and Commit to Connect joined forces to co-host a two-day Virtual Summit on August 2-3, 2022.
Read MoreThis August engAGED blog post, written by Commit to Connect, spotlights its work and how you can become part of the initiative to combat social isolation and loneliness today. Commit to Connect is newly administered by USAging and also is funded through the Administration for Community Living.
Read MoreIntergenerational programs are intentionally designed to build connections between people of different ages, which helps promote greater understanding and respect. This blog post highlights key takeaways from the June engAGED webinar to help Aging Network and partner organizations develop intergenerational programs within their communities.
Read MoreIn the face of the digital divide, technology solutions have long been viewed as a source of relief. This blog post written by Older Adult Technology Services (OATS) highlights key takeaways from the recently published manual, Implementing and Expanding Virtual Programming For Older Adults: Tips and Practical Strategies For Aging Network Organizations.
Read MoreWhen developing programs and services for Hispanic and Latino older adults, it is important to keep in mind key characteristics of these populations. This blog post highlights key takeaways from the May engAGED webinar about creative approaches for social engagement and connection among Hispanic and Latino older adults and caregivers.
Read MoreTaking steps to bridge the digital divide helps ensure older adults have access to affordable internet, device options and skills they can use to access additional social engagement opportunities. This blog post highlights key takeaways from the April engAGED webinar to help the Aging Network connect older adults to affordable broadband to help them take part in virtual social engagement opportunities.
Read MoreFaith communities can be a trusted source of information and are uniquely positioned to engage older adults and caregivers, a practice that enhances the well-being of both older adults and their communities. This blog post highlights key takeaways from the March engAGED webinar to help the Aging Network and faith-based communities work together to create opportunities for social engagement.
Read MorePark and recreation agencies provide recreation opportunities for individuals across the country—and can serve as an important partner for organizations developing social engagement programs for older adults. This blog post highlights key takeaways from the February engAGED webinar to highlight collaborative ways in which the Aging Network and local park and recreation agencies can create opportunities for social engagement.
Read MoreVolunteering provides older adults with a way to expand their social circles, strengthen ties to their communities, contribute skills and time to support others, connect with peers—and improve their health. This blog post highlights key takeaways from the January engAGED webinar to help Aging Network and partner organizations develop volunteer opportunities for older adults.
Read MoreArts activities provide opportunities for group participation and social support. This blog post highlights key takeaways from the December engAGED webinar to help organizations in the Aging Network develop arts and creative engagement programming for consumers.
Read MoreIn 2021, engAGED continued and expanded our work of supporting the Aging Network and other partner organizations as they develop programs that help consumers get and stay connected to their communities. As your organization sets its 2022 goals, we want to share a few highlights of resources we developed in 2021 that can help you enhance, expand or implement social engagement programs in the new year.
Read MoreThere are unique considerations for developing social engagement activities to help older adults and caregivers living in rural and tribal communities. This blog post highlights key takeaways from the November engAGED webinar that featured the UMaine Center on Aging, Jefferson Area Board for Aging and the Wyandotte Title VI Aging Program.
Read MoreThis blog post highlights key takeaways from the October 2021 engAGED webinar focused on ways community-based organizations can contract with health plans to address the health impacts of social isolation on older adults.
Read MoreThis blog post spotlights a recent article written by Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy about the mental and physical health impact of social isolation and loneliness and why these issues have risen to the top of his priorities. The post also highlights innovative programs and interventions developed by Area Agencies on Aging.
Read MoreSeptember’s engAGED blog post, written by Generations United, a member of the engAGED Project Advisory Committee, describes intergenerational programs, how they foster social engagement and the benefits they offer to people of all ages. The post highlights how programs across the country have successfully adapted their programming for continuity throughout the pandemic and includes several resources to help your organization expand or develop intergenerational programming, including intergenerational shared sites.
Read MoreWritten by an engAGED Project Advisory Committee member, Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) & the National Center for Aging and Disability at TIRR Memorial Hermann Research Center, this blog post focuses on the serious isolation experienced by individuals with disabilities and how Centers for Independent Living have adapted to continue providing meaningful interactions and core services.
Read MoreProviding opportunities for older adults to develop and expand their technology knowledge and skills helps to support social engagement. This engAGED blog, written by the Older Adults Technology Services—a member of the engAGED Project Advisory Committee—speaks to the importance of harnessing the power of technology to facilitate and strengthen social engagement.
Read MoreBeing socially isolated puts people at more risk of being defrauded. The July engAGED blog, written by the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) National Resource Center—a member of the engAGED Project Advisory Committee—provides insight into how social isolation can put older adults at risk for Medicare fraud and highlights some of the serious consequences of identity theft.
Read MorePark and recreation agencies are key leaders and partners providing social engagement opportunities for older adults in communities across the country. With Park and Recreation month approaching in July, engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults conducted an interview with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)—a member of the engAGED Project Advisory Committee—to highlight how park and recreation agencies are promoting social engagement opportunities to older adults.
Read MoreOlder Americans Month (OAM) honors older adults every May. To commemorate the 2021 OAM theme Communities of Strength, which celebrates the critical role older adults play in helping to build strong communities, engAGED is featuring a blog from the Administration for Community Living and AmeriCorps that salutes older adults for their contributions and service in their communities over the past year.
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