Social Engagement Programs of Area Agencies on Aging: Understanding Efforts to Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults.

Authors

Prayas Gautam, Heather L Menne, Katelyn J Singer, Traci Wilson, Meredith Hanley

Published in

Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society. Pages 7334648261496751. Oct 11, 2026. Epub Oct 11, 2026.

Abstract

BackgroundSocial isolation and loneliness in later life are major public health concerns associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality. Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) constitute the primary local infrastructure for aging services in the US.ObjectiveTo describe social engagement program types and partnership structures among AAAs and to examine rural-non-rural differences.MethodsWe analyzed data from the 2025 National Survey of AAAs (n = 449). Descriptive statistics summarized program and partnership prevalence; item-level Pearson chi-square tests with Bonferroni adjustments compared rural and non-rural agencies.ResultsMost AAAs offered multiple social engagement programs; volunteer engagement (66.0%), arts and creative activities (62.2%), visiting/calling programs (57.7%), and technology engagement (55.5%) were common. Non-rural AAAs were more likely to offer visiting/calling, technology-based activities, and memory cafes, while rural AAAs were more likely to partner with public health units. Rural-non-rural differences suggest context-specific influences of resources and infrastructure on program availability.

PMID:
42860015
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 12 Oct 2026.

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