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News From engAGED

February 2026

News

New Findings From the 2025 National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging

The National Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Survey Chartbook is now available! Conducted every three years by USAging in partnership with Scripps Gerontology Center, the report is full of new data and insights into how AAAs are adapting and evolving to meet the needs of older adults in their communities. For example, key findings include: 

  • 95 percent of AAAs have a program that directly addresses loneliness and social isolation. 
  • The most offered types of programs are volunteer engagement opportunities, arts and creative activities, friendly visiting and technology engagement activities. 
  • The most common key partners for social engagement programming are senior/community centers.

Latest on the engAGED Blog: Recognizing National Nutrition Month

March is recognized nationwide as National Nutrition Month. Aging and disability network organizations serve as a vital resource in providing nutrition and related services to older adults and people with disabilities. Our latest blog post shares ideas on how your organization can incorporate social connection into existing nutrition programming and services. Find resources from the Administration for Community Living’s Nutrition and Aging Resource Center as well as ideas from local programs that offer innovative takes on providing meals and social engagement in this blog post.

Strengthening Social Connection in Communities 2026 Grant Awards

USAging’s Strengthening Social Connection in Communities (SSCC) has awarded grants to 11 organizations that submitted proposals to replicate and sustain evidence-based and evidence-informed social connection programs, partnerships and referral processes in communities. The goal of SSCC is to improve the health of older adults and their caregivers through social connection programs in communities and promote alignment with Age-Friendly Ecosystem initiatives. SSCC is co-managed by USAging’s Aging and Disability Business Institute and engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults. Funding is provided by The John A. Hartford Foundation, RRF Foundation for Aging and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York.  


Congratulations go to the following grantee organizations:  

  • Ardent Solutions, Inc. (New York)  
  • Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe (Nevada)  
  • Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action (New York)  
  • Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania)  
  • Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc. (New York)  
  • Pima Council on Aging (Arizona)  
  • SeniorsPlus (Maine)  
  • Trustees of Indiana University (Indiana)  
  • CHPcommunity, Inc. (Iowa)  
  • Community Living Campaign (California)  
  • Taylor County Health Department (Wisconsin)  

Get Ideas for Promoting Social Engagement This Season

Tired of the winter blues? Find new ways to promote social connection that tie into ongoing observances with the engAGED Calendar of Social Engagement Opportunities. This February honors National Caregivers Day, Black History Month and National Make a Friend Day. Consider hosting an activity to foster engagement with older adults during Black History Month (find specific ideas for activities in this engAGED blog post).

Recent Research

How Internet and Smart Device Use Affects Mental Health in Older Adults 

This study explored the association between the use of the internet and smart devices with the mental health of older adults with chronic diseases and investigated possible mediating mechanisms. Outcomes indicated that use of the internet and digital devices can help reduce social isolation and improve mental health, but that not all smart devices contribute to reducing social isolation.  


Studying the Impact of Social Isolation and Digital Exclusion on Mental and Physical Health in Older Adults

This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the associations of social isolation and digital exclusion with depression, cognitive decline and physical functioning in community-dwelling older adults. Findings suggested that both digital exclusion and social isolation are significantly associated with an increased risk of depression in older adults. 


Exploring How Nutritional Status and Loneliness Impact Functional Status in Older Adults

This study looked at how modifiable behavioral health determinants, such as the quality of sleep, oral health, nutritional risk and loneliness, affect the association between activity and functional status in community-dwelling older adults. It was concluded that older adults, including those with higher nutritional risk or lower loneliness, may benefit from more walking or upright activities. 


Evaluating Systems for Loneliness Monitoring in Older Adults 

This mixed methods study aimed to understand how older adults react to a smart technology system for monitoring loneliness. Results indicated high user satisfaction in measures such as comfort, ease of use and feedback clarity. Participants emphasized the need for discretion, personalization and human oversight in systems and data-sharing of future technologies. 

Innovations Hub Spotlight


The Legacy Project, Inc. (TLP) was designed to connect college students and older adults to build strong intergenerational connections, preserve life histories through thoughtful interviews and combat the social isolation faced by both younger and older adults. Through the program, college students regularly visit their assigned older adult for interviews and write detailed stories of the older adults’ lives. Find out more about this program and how other organizations are promoting social engagement across the country, by visiting the Innovations Hub.

engAGED Resource Spotlight


Online Safety for Older Adults: Browsing the Internet Confidently is a customizable consumer fact sheet, developed by engAGED in partnership with Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP. This fact sheet provides older adults with tips and resources to navigate the ins-and-outs of the internet safely and securely.

Resources

  • Commit to Connect aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness among older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. Check out resources from their recent Office Hours session highlighting a champion of social connection. Access a recap of resources and the event recording


  • AARP is now accepting applicants for its 2026 Community Challenge. This opportunity provides grant funding to community organizations looking to enhance the livability of communities for all ages. The application will close on March 4, 2026. Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply



  • The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a variety of resources to help professionals encourage older adults to get active. Explore the Move Your Way® materials for older adults and use them to encourage older adults in your community to get active.  

Articles

Social Engagement Events

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