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News from engAGED

May 2022

News

Intergenerational Programs Potpourri: Tips and Strategies to Develop Engagement Opportunities Between Generations  

Register for engAGED’s next webinar on June 21 from 3:00-4:00 pm ET, which will be focused on intergenerational social engagement programs. During the webinar, Generations United will provide a framer on intergenerational programs, including types of programs, current trends and tips for local organizations developing intergenerational programs. Attendees will also hear from four organizations on their intergenerational programs and learn how they can replicate similar opportunities. 

Register Now!

RSVP for Office Hours Discussion: Reaching Rural Older Adults with Tech

The June engAGED Office Hours call will focus on reaching rural older adults with technology. During the call, which will be held on June 22 from 1:00-2:00 pm ET, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP and the Aroostook Agency on Aging will highlight how they are helping older adults living in rural areas connect to and engage with technology. The call will include time for group discussion and exchanging ideas, resources and tips. Attendance will be capped at 30 participants, so RSVP soon to claim your space!

RSVP

Bridging the Digital Divide: Key Takeaways

Our latest blog post highlights some of the key points discussed in April's webinar on bridging the digital divide to increase social engagement of older adults. The blog post focuses on strategies to connect older adults to affordable broadband to help them take part in virtual social engagement opportunities. We also include tips on how the Aging Network can provide older adults with the resources needed to get connected to technology. Read it now.

USAging is the New Coordinating Center for Commit to Connect—An Initiative Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness

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To address the public health impact of social isolation and loneliness, the Administration for Community Living established Commit to Connect, a cross-sector initiative, to reach people who are impacted by social isolation and loneliness. Now in its second year, USAging is taking the helm as the Commit to Connect Coordinating Center (USAging also administers engAGED).


The aim of Commit to Connect is to foster—through technical assistance, learning opportunities and a networking platform—a nationwide network of champions at the local, state and national levels who are committed to addressing social isolation and loneliness. Commit to Connect Champions are passionate leaders and innovators dedicated to ending social isolation and loneliness. Additional activities will include developing communities of practice, developing technical assistance resources and hosting a Virtual Summit in partnership with engAGED. Read more about Commit to Connect and register to join the Nationwide Network of Champions

Recent Research

Social Prescribing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Service Providers’ and Clients’ Experiences

Findings from this qualitative study show the UK's social prescribing system helped many people receive support remotely during the pandemic. However, some populations experienced a more limited impact of the remote support. The findings demonstrate the need for services to be more accessible for digitally excluded groups.

 

The Moderating Effect of Social Support Between Loneliness and Depression: Differences Among Older Adults of Different Ages

A new study found that loneliness was linked to depression among older adults of different ages. The study also showed that while support from spouses, family and others helped to relieve depression among the age segments studied, spousal support had a significant moderating effect on their mental health.

 

Reaching People with Disabilities to Learn About Their Experiences of Social Connection and Loneliness

A recent article found that using alternative modes of recruitment in conjunction with conventional recruitment methods may be more effective in understanding the levels of social connectedness and feelings of loneliness among people with disabilities. Additionally, this combination of methods may extend the reach to those who are at greater risk of experiencing social isolation, including those with mental illnesses and/or psychiatric disorders.

In Case You Missed It

New Additions to the engAGED Innovations Hub

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We’ve added 24 new programs to the engAGED Social Engagement Innovations Hub! Browse a variety of innovative and replicable ideas for social engagement activities and programming that your organization can use. We accept submissions to the Innovations Hub year-round, so if your organization has a social engagement program you would like to share with others, review the submission criteria and reach out with any questions.

Innovations Hub Spotlight


PEP Housing, a community-based organization in Santa Rosa, CA, developed the Quilting for a Cause program to reduce isolation among residents in its affordable housing facility through arts and creative expression. To read more about this program and other replicable social engagement innovations from across the country visit the engAGED Innovations Hub.

Resources

  • The latest episode of the USAging Answers on Aging podcast highlights the work of engAGED. Tune in now to hear from engAGED staff on key issues impacting social isolation and loneliness, innovative practices and partnerships as well as our latest resources! Like what you hear? Subscribe to Answers on Aging wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode.
  • A recent Better Care Playbook webinar describes the development and implementation of the Connecting Provider to Home Program, an intervention that uses social workers and community health workers to provide patient-centered care and address unmet social needs.
  • Check out Connect+Conversations, a series of webinars hosted by the Foundation for Social Connection alongside the Social Health Labs, on how to address loneliness and social connectedness through various sectors. All eight webinar recordings can be found here. The report on this series is also available, which includes key takeaways from experts on the root causes of social isolation and loneliness.
  • The National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) at the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the largest national membership organization dedicated to serving senior center professionals. Check out NISC to learn more about the free membership benefits and many services they offer to support senior centers. NCOA is a member of the engAGED Project Advisory Committee. 

Articles

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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 $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.