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New Resource! Highlights from the Innovations Hub

engAGED’s newest publication, What Works: Social Engagement Innovations and Best Practices, features 11 programs that employ a variety of social engagement interventions and tap into an array of partners to reach consumers in rural, suburban and urban communities. All programs highlighted in What Works are currently included on the Innovations Hub. We hope that this publication and the Innovations Hub will inspire your social engagement efforts to address social isolation in your community!

Supporting Hispanic and Latino Older Adults and Caregivers to Stay Engaged 

Register for engAGED’s next webinar on May 31 from 1:00-2:00 pm ET focused on supporting the social engagement needs of Hispanic and Latino older adults and caregivers. The webinar will include both national and local speakers who will share key insights from their work. Speakers will also offer tips and strategies for other Aging Network organizations interested in creating and growing social engagement opportunities for these populations. 

New Blog Post: Collaborating with Faith Communities on Social Engagement

Faith communities can be a trusted source of information and are in a unique position to engage older adults and caregivers—a practice that enhances the well-being of both older adults and their communities. This month’s blog post dives into concepts shared in our March webinar and highlights faith-based partnerships created by AgeOptions and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota to offer social engagement opportunities for older adults and caregivers, and shares strategies from USAgainstAlzheimer’s to help organizations build partnerships with faith communities. Read the blog post for a recap of programming efforts and key tips for success! 

New Digital Skills Training Program Funded by Google.org

Earlier this year, Google.org announced a $10 million grant to AARP Foundation to provide technology and digital skills training to 25,000 people over 50 who have low incomes, with a focus on women and people of color. Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, which also serves as a member of the engAGED Project Advisory Committee and subcontracted partner of engAGED, will work with AARP Foundation on this opportunity. Programs will help increase older adults’ economic security and social connections with workshops focused on digital essentials to help find and secure jobs, change careers or explore entrepreneurship. 

Supporting Those Using Older Phones to Connect: Companies Ending 3G Service

Cell phone carriers—like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and others—will be phasing out their 3G wireless networks. Approximately five to 10 million people use phones reliant on 3G technology, with many estimated to be older adults. While each carrier is discontinuing service on slightly different timeframes, all carriers will be affected. Devices made prior to 2012 are most likely to be impacted, including flip phones, early smart phones and tablets and certain medical devices—all of which are commonly used among older adults.

Options for supporting those impacted by this change include the FCC Lifeline program and the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program. The Lifeline program provides a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. The FCC Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase equipment, such as a computer or tablet. 

Video Calls for Older Adults: A Narrative Review of Experiments Involving Older Adults in Elderly Care Institutions

Researchers conducted a review of 15 studies from 2002 to 2020 to better understand the usability, acceptability and effectiveness of video calls for older adults in long-term care settings. The article also includes key recommendations for video call programs related to planning, conducting sessions and assessing impact.

Dynamics of Loneliness Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Pilot Study of Ecological Momentary Assessment With Network Analysis

This study looked at whether the associations between living arrangements and loneliness of older adults differed based on their living preferences. The study found that living preference does have an impact and those who prefer living with children but live alone are more likely to feel lonely.

Hopelessness As a Predictor of Loneliness in Older Adults

This study found that hopelessness—the loss of motivation and negative expectations about the future—is a critical issue that affects feelings of loneliness in older adults. The researchers suggested that hopelessness is an important variable to consider in programming efforts.

Loneliness, Social Isolation and All-Cause Mortality in a Large Sample of Older Adults

Using data from a large random sample, this study examined the effect of loneliness and social isolation on mortality on older adults. Researchers found that both loneliness and social isolation contribute to greater risk of mortality within the population studied. 

Bridging the Digital Divide to Increase Social Engagement

engAGED hosted a webinar on the digital divide facing many older adults that highlighted potential solutions from the national, local and federal perspectives. Speakers included Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, the Federal Communications Commission and the Eastern Oklahoma Development District Area Agency on Aging. Check out the webinar recording or slides to learn more!

• Does your community-based organization have an innovative contract or strategic partnership with a health care entity to serve older adults and people with disabilities? If so, consider nominating it for The John A. Hartford Foundation 2022 Business Innovation Award, presented by USAging’s Aging and Disability Business Institute. All recipients will receive a plaque and the first-place winner will receive a monetary award of up to $5,000. Learn more about the award and submit your nomination by May 6!
• Tivity Health's latest pulse survey of Medicare Advantage enrollees in its Silver Sneakers program, fielded in February 2022, asked how they are faring socially, physically and emotionally. Results found that social isolation continues to be at a rate three times pre-COVID-19 for this audience, with higher proportions of those with lower incomes reporting social isolation. Almost 60 percent of respondents feel comfortable socializing in public places, a slight increase from the end of 2021. Additionally, 64 percent of members report using video/streaming for socially connecting with friends/family, while 41 percent report using video/streaming for medical/therapy appointments, which Tivity reports is the lowest seen in seven quarters.
• Volunteers of all ages play important roles in supporting the Aging Network, whether through delivering home-delivered meals, providing Medicare counseling, serving as a long-term care ombudsman or assisting in an office. Volunteering is also one key way to stay socially engaged! The Administration for Community Living recently published a series of resources, including a research report, case examples and an infographic highlighting data on volunteer usage in the Aging Network. 

• Senior Communities Add Tech Assistance as One of Their Perks (The Wall Street Journal, February 26, 2022)
• As pandemic wanes, Michigan confronts toll of isolation on homebound seniors (Bridge Michigan, March 18, 2022)
• Seniors Free of COVID Isolation Dance Together (Voice of America, March 20, 2022)
• Virtual visits connect seniors with pets to fight social isolation (Livingston County News, April 1, 2022)
• Senior Connection Center And GetSetUp Partner To Bridge The Digital Divide And Combat Social Isolation (Osprey Observer, April 4, 2022)
• Meals on Wheels, ASU study how pets affect social isolation, loneliness among older adults (TucsonSentinel.com, April 6, 2022)
• For Older Adults: A Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Metaverse (Forbes, April 15, 2022)

• engAGED Webinar: Serving Hispanic and Latino Older Adults and Caregivers: Creative Approaches for Social Engagement and Connection (May 31, 2022 at 1:00 pm ET)

This project #90EECC0002 is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $300,000 (or 74 percent) funded by ACL/HHS and $106,740 (or 26 percent) funded by non-government sources. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.