May 2026

Welcome to EngAging Matters, the newsletter of our state's multisector plan for aging — EngAging Illinois. Developed by the Illinois Department on Aging in collaboration with partners statewide, the Plan is built around 4 focus areas: Creating Livable and Connected Communities, Ensuring Health for All Ages, Investing in Caregivers, and Affording Aging. In each issue, you'll find partner spotlights, resources, news, and updates from across the aging field. To learn more about EngAging Illinois visit ilaging.illinois.gov. Dive in and enjoy our first edition!

May is Older Americans Month! This year's theme, Champion Your Health, encourages older adults to take an active role in managing their health, accessing preventive care, and making informed decisions. Keep an eye out on social media for ways EngAging Illinois will be celebrating and highlighting this theme throughout the month!

Central Illinois Senior Celebration

In-Person – May 20, 2026

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Illinois State Fairgrounds

A comprehensive resource fair for older adults and caregivers! With more than 100 exhibitors and on-site health screenings, this celebration brings the entire local aging network together in one place. EngAging Illinois will be there--let's connect!

Congratulations to Teresa Davis, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) and Co-Chair of the EngAging IL Social Connection Work Group, on securing a Creative Aging, Creative Futures grant! The IAC will use the funding to expand arts programming for older adults across all six of Illinois' regions, with a focus on reaching underserved communities including rural, BIPOC, low-income, and disability populations. A win for older adults across the state!

Meet Gail Zelitzky and Catherine Marienau, creators of Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined, a podcast amplifying the voices of women in their 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond. With hundreds of episodes, they've built a movement proving wisdom doesn't retire. Aging Reimagined Circle members can look forward to their May convening featuring Michelle Hoersch, Chief Planning Officer of the Illinois' Multisector Plan for Aging.

Age-Friendly Ecosystem State Snapshots | Trust for America’s Health State Snapshots offer a

state-by-state look at older adult demographics and age-friendly adoption across public health, health systems, and communities – a great tool for advocating for older adult programs. Learn more.

4Ms System-Wide Spread | The Institute for Healthcare Improvement has brought together 30 U.S. health systems to embed the 4Ms framework — What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility — an evidence-based approach to providing high quality, age-friendly care equitably across all care settings. Resources from this collaborative are being released on a rolling basis. Learn more.

Stay in the loop between newsletters--Follow the Illinois Department on Aging on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for real-time updates, resources, and news about EngAging Illinois. Keep the

conversation going – join us online!

The Illinois Department on Aging does not discriminate in admission to programs or treatment of employment in programs or activities in compliance with appropriate State and Federal statutes. If you feel you have been discriminated against, call the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966; 711 (TRS)