Social isolation among older adults has emerged as a pressing public health issue in recent years. With longer life expectancies and a growing aging population, the need to foster social connections for older adults has never been more critical.

The "Make Room @ the Table" campaign, launched by a coalition of community organizations and advocates, seeks to address this challenge by creating spaces for older adults to engage, connect, and thrive.

Every year, the Administration on Community Living’s (ACL) Eldercare Locator leads “Home for the Holidays,” a campaign to encourage friends and families to use holiday visits as an opportunity to talk about an important topic affecting the health and well-being of older adults.

This year, the focus is on increasing awareness of common financial scams, including tips to avoid them and what to do if you suspect you’re a victim.

As the population of older adults in Illinois grows, AgeGuide, an Area Agency on Aging, has set its 2025 legislative priorities to address critical challenges faced by this demographic.

These priorities focus on increasing funding for vital services, supporting caregivers, and safeguarding older adults from financial exploitation. Take a closer look at AgeGuide’s state and federal priorities for 2025.

Welcome to another episode in our series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". In this episode, we talk to Shari Foos, a psychotherapist, educator, activist, writer, a former punk rock star, and the founder of The Narrative Method, a nonprofit program that promotes human connection by increasing empathy and tolerance.

Join us as we speak about intergenerational connections and ageism on a deep and personal level. By fostering inclusive social environments, people of all ages can have more meaningful and rewarding social experiences. Tune in to learn about this innovative project using stories, creativity, and a sense of shared humanity to promote social connections between people of all ages. 

AgeGuide has introduced a new accessibility widget to its website, enhancing usability for older adults, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities. The widget includes features like adjustable font sizes, color contrast settings, screen reader compatibility, and keyboard navigation, making it easier to access resources and services.

This tool underscores AgeGuide’s commitment to inclusivity, empowering users to navigate the site independently while making it easy to customize the experience. The widget is a vital tool in bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to essential aging services. Explore the updated website to experience these features firsthand.

AgeGuide would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a peaceful and healthy New Year! We hope that you are able to spend the holidays with friends, family, or other loved ones, whether in person or virtually. 

The AgeGuide office will be closed Wednesday, December 25th, Thursday, December 26th, and Wednesday, January 1st.

If you are in need of assistance while our office is closed, call the Illinois Department on Aging Helpline at (800) 252-8966 or visit our website at www.ageguide.org

We need your help!

The Older Americans Act authorization expired in September. This vital Act, which supports millions of older adults and caregivers annually, is the foundation of AgeGuide’s ability to create a wide range of programs and services to support older adults’ health, well-being, and ability to age well at home and in the community. 

Senate and House negotiators have agreed on all issues except the final authorization levels, so a deal needs to be struck before the House can take up OAA. The bill has passed the Senate and is now waiting for the House to sign it. Please take a moment to advocate today to help us ensure the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, and follow this link to send a letter.

At AgeGuide, we love getting social! Stay up to date with the latest news, updates and learn more about AgeGuide and our work advocating for older adults and the services they need on our social media pages!