News from the National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults

News from engAGED AAAs Speak at U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s Hearing on Senior Isolation and Loneliness  A recent hearing held by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging examined the growing isolation and loneliness older adults are experiencing due to COVID-19 and explored options to better address this challenge. The hearing, entitled “Combating Social Isolation and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic” featured Area Agency on Aging leaders Betsy Sawyer-Manter, President and CEO, SeniorsPlus, ME, and Najja Orr, CEO of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, PA. Their comments highlighted the most pressing issues facing older adults and the AAAs that serve them, such as rapidly rising needs for food, social connection and reassurance, and technology that can help combat social isolation.  engAGED’s COVID-19 Innovations from the Field Have you taken a look at engAGED’s compilation of COVID-19 Innovations from the Field? The Innovations webpage describes the array of ways that AAAs and community-based organizations are promoting social engagement and reducing social isolation by adapting and enhancing programming during COVID-19. Do you have an innovation you’d like to share? Let us know. Feedback Requested: Coping with Loneliness, Isolation and COVID-19 Survey International researchers want to hear from you! An online, anonymous global survey is being conducted by researchers who are part of the International Loneliness and Isolation research NetworK (I-LINK) to better understand how public health measures in response to COVID-19, particularly physical distancing and restriction of movements, affect loneliness and social isolation. The online survey, intended for adults age 18 and older, includes questions on demographics, health, health behaviors, loneliness, isolation and personal experiences around COVID-19. The researchers anticipate that survey results will offer invaluable insights into life before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, including key challenges faced and coping strategies used. Take the Survey This is just a small portion of the engAGE current newsletter, click here to view the entire online update