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News from engAGED

January 2025

News

Latest on the engAGED Blog: Celebrating Black History Month

Our latest blog post shares activities your organization can incorporate into its social engagement programming to commemorate Black History Month in February. In addition to honoring the culture and history of Black Americans, Black History Month provides a meaningful opportunity to host social engagement activities for older adults. Read the blog post for inspiration on how to promote engagement while recognizing Black History Month. The post also contains ideas on how your organization can foster connection and celebrate Black culture and heritage year-round. 

Get Ideas for Promoting Social Engagement This Winter   



Feelings of loneliness and isolation can increase during the winter months, making it even more important to provide opportunities for social connection and engagement. Use the engAGED Calendar of Social Engagement Opportunities for inspiration on possible activities that align with upcoming observances in February and March like Black History Month, National Nutrition Month, National Craft Month and Women’s History Month. 

Evaluating Social Connection Programs: Report Available From Commit to Connect 


Looking to learn more about evaluating social isolation and loneliness programs and interventions? Commit to Connect released an Executive Summary Report of its Understanding the Impact of Social Isolation and Loneliness Programs Community of Practice (COP), which was established to support organizations in evaluating social isolation and loneliness programs and interventions. The Executive Summary Report provides an overview of the COP, including its aims, processes, outcomes and best practices for others undertaking similar efforts. Commit to Connect is a social connection initiative led by the U.S. Administration for Community Living and administered by USAging.

engAGED Resource Spotlight


Implementing and Expanding Virtual Programming for Older Adults: Tips and Practical Strategies for Aging Network Organizations, a manual developed by engAGED through a partnership with Older Adults Technology Services from AARP, can help organizations implement new virtual programming or enhance existing virtual programming. Access the manual for key considerations, organizational tips and best practices for developing and administering virtual programs.

Recent Research

Older Adult Experiences With Loneliness and Isolation in the United States

A recent national study found that while social isolation and loneliness among older adults in the U.S. between the ages of 50 and 80 have mostly reverted to pre-pandemic levels, more than one-third of older adults still experience loneliness and just under one-third report feeling socially isolated. 

 

Fall Prevention Programs and Loneliness

This study examined the impact of evidence-based fall prevention programs on loneliness among older adults. Findings suggest that evidence-based fall prevention programs can reduce loneliness among participants, though disease profiles, fall history, workshop location and living alone may impede social connection among some of the participants. 

 

Technology and Intergenerational Connections

This study explored the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention that encourages older adults and their families to use technology to communicate more often in promoting intergenerational interactions and reducing social isolation. Findings suggest encouragement from younger family members may increase technology adoption among older adults and intergenerational interactions and that online phone calls are one tool to enhance intergenerational communication. 


Social Factors and Physical Activity

This systematic literature review explored the associations between physical activity and social factors such as social networks, social support, social interaction and loneliness among older adults. Based on the findings that suggest social environment plays a strong role in physical activity levels, interventions that promote physical activity while enhancing social support and networks may be effective.

Innovations Hub Spotlight


The Senior Longevity program, developed by the Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership in Omaha, NE, helps older adults prevent or manage chronic conditions through increased physical and social activity and functional fitness. To learn more about this program and other replicable social engagement innovations from across the country, visit the Innovations Hub.

Resources

  • ‘Going It Alone’ — A Conversation About Growing Old in America, a virtual event hosted by KFF Health News and The John A. Hartford Foundation, featured a panel of five older adults who shared their experiences, hopes, challenges and strategies for living alone. 
  • A webinar from Generations United showcased its Healthier Lives Across Generations: A Blueprint for Intergenerational Living report and shared innovative strategies for cultivating intergenerational living that improves health and well-being for all generations.
  • webinar from the Foundation for Social Connection (F4SC) highlighted the built environment and its critical role in fostering social connection. The webinar showcased research briefs from F4SC and shared actionable strategies to help communities create a socially connected society.
  • A recent episode of the Vox Today, Explained podcast, featuring Robert Putnam, discussed volunteering and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. 
  • Recent poll data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, based at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, found that respondents with grandchildren and respondents who see their grandchildren regularly are less likely to feel isolated. Read the full poll results to learn more.

Articles

Social Engagement Events

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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 $450,000 (or 74 percent) funded by ACL/HHS and $161,554 (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.