The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness

🌟 CESIL Member DOROT Featured in MSN! 🌟 We’re thrilled to see CESIL member DOROT highlighted in MSN’s recent article, "As more older adults live alone, resources are cropping up to help them." DOROT’s innovative Aging Alone Together program is making a transformative impact by empowering solo agers with the tools and community they need to prepare for the future. This free, nationally available course offers: ✅ Practical resources for aging plans, including legal and financial preparedness. ✅ Guidance on building supportive communities. ✅ Interactive sessions to address key concerns like housing and advance care directives. ✅ A focus on fostering connection and a positive, can-do attitude. Since launching in 2021, over 1,000 participants have joined the program, with efforts underway to expand its reach even further. As DOROT’s Claire Nisen reminds us, “Solo aging doesn’t mean aging alone.” 👏 We’re proud to celebrate the incredible work of DOROT and their commitment to combating social isolation for older adults. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eQSsSG4A

📣 CESIL Meets with Rep. Becca Balint's Office to Champion the Combating Loneliness Act (CLA) A few weeks ago, The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness had the privilege of meeting with the office of Representative Becca Balint (VT-AL) to discuss the Combating Loneliness Act. This week, the bill was officially introduced, marking a pivotal moment in addressing the mental health and loneliness crisis in America. Co-led by Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20), the CLA takes a bold, community-focused approach to foster meaningful social connections. The CLA invests in: ✅ Social Infrastructure: Enhancing libraries, recreation centers, and community spaces like playgrounds and gardens to bring people together. ✅ Public Health: Expanding mental health services, supporting health care workers, and funding peer mental health training. ✅ Youth Mental Health: Increasing access to school-based health services, after-school programs, and resources for youth wellbeing. "Rep. Balint’s leadership in introducing this bill is a bold step towards building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. CESIL is proud to support this transformative legislation," said Andrew MacPherson, CESIL Board Chair. Together, we can combat loneliness and create a brighter, more compassionate future for all. Learn more about the CLA and its impact: https://lnkd.in/exakgdJz

Exciting news! The Senate has unanimously passed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 4776), which includes several provisions aligned with our Coalition’s priorities. Here's a snapshot of the key highlights: 🔹 Annual Funding Increase: A 20% funding boost for OAA programs from FY 2025 to FY 2029. 🔹 National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults: Expanded to train and support the aging network in tackling the health impacts of social isolation. 🔹 Improving Health Outcomes: Strategies to strengthen intergenerational connections are now part of the national healthy aging framework. 🔹 New Report on Family Living Arrangements: Examines how living with or near family impacts older adults' physical and mental health, reducing social isolation. 🔹 Broadband Access for Older Adults: Coordination to promote digital literacy and broadband access for older adults aging in place. 🔹 White House Conference on Aging: A conference every 10 years to address key issues, including social isolation and loneliness. 📣 Next step: The House! Members use our OAA Activation materials to advocate for this impactful legislation. Together, we can make a difference for older adults across the nation. Want to join? Visit our website for more information https://lnkd.in/dt6Qp9Bz

Exciting news! The Senate has unanimously passed the Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S. 4776), which includes several provisions aligned with our Coalition’s priorities. Here's a snapshot of the key highlights: 🔹 Annual Funding Increase: A 20% funding boost for OAA programs from FY 2025 to FY 2029. 🔹 National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults: Expanded to train and support the aging network in tackling the health impacts of social isolation. 🔹 Improving Health Outcomes: Strategies to strengthen intergenerational connections are now part of the national healthy aging framework. 🔹 New Report on Family Living Arrangements: Examines how living with or near family impacts older adults' physical and mental health, reducing social isolation. 🔹 Broadband Access for Older Adults: Coordination to promote digital literacy and broadband access for older adults aging in place. 🔹 White House Conference on Aging: A conference every 10 years to address key issues, including social isolation and loneliness. 📣 Next step: The House! Members use our OAA Activation materials to advocate for this impactful legislation. Together, we can make a difference for older adults across the nation. Want to join? Visit our website for more information https://lnkd.in/dt6Qp9Bz

A University of Michigan study reveals that adults aged 50-80 continue to experience significant loneliness and isolation, even beyond the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rates are even higher among those reporting fair or poor physical and mental health. To tackle this issue, the SENIOR Act (Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief) proposes adding loneliness to the definition of disease prevention and health promotion services under the Older Americans Act. We proudly support this important initiative alongside organizations like LeadingAge, Front Porch Communities & Services, LifeLoop, and USAging. The SENIOR Act is one of several legislative efforts aimed at combating loneliness and fostering stronger social connections for older adults. McKnight's Senior Living’s recently highlighted the University of Michigan study in an insightful article. 📖 Read it here: https://lnkd.in/eQ6r5wie Stay tuned for our refreshed policy priorities coming in 2025! 💡✨ #LonelinessAwareness #SENIORAct #SocialIsolation #PolicyMatters

📢 Exciting News from Meals on Wheels America! Meals on Wheels America, a steering committee member, has released groundbreaking research highlighting the power of social connection programs in reducing isolation among seniors. Their pilot study, supported by the Caesars Foundation, shows that 53% of participants who received friendly calls or visits experienced significant reductions in social disconnectedness. 💬 These programs, which include regular calls and in-person visits, are creating meaningful impacts by fostering companionship, improving emotional well-being, and building stronger communities. One participant shared, "I love this program. It makes me feel alive, like someone cares." We celebrate their dedication to addressing senior isolation and hunger. Let’s continue to support their efforts to bring joy and connection to older adults across the country. Learn more about this impactful research: Meals on Wheels Research https://lnkd.in/d5ZPWMS #MealsOnWheels #caesarsfoundation #SocialConnection #EndIsolation #CommunityCaretheir

We are excited to see this new series of supplemental reports from our sister organization, The Foundation for Social Connection ! Don't miss the webinar! Register Today!

Reminder! Join us for the first CompassionUNITESus Virtual Summit! 🌍 Save the date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024   ⏰ 8 a.m. Pacific / 10 a.m. Central / 11 a.m. Eastern We're looking for inspiring initiatives that are making a measurable impact in their communities through compassionate approaches. If you're part of a program in arts, healthcare, education, or other fields, using tools like participatory arts, community mapping, or similar methods to promote sustainable peace, engagement, and connection across diverse groups, we want to hear from you! 📢 Call for Initiatives: Share your work with us to showcase how compassionate action is driving meaningful, inclusive change. Let's learn from each other's experiences and come together to foster stronger, more connected communities. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e_CvvekA #SaveTheDate #CompassionUNITESus #CommunityImpact #CompassionateInitiatives #VirtualSummit #CallForInitiatives We invite you all... Alan Siegel, M.D., Compassionate Communities, The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, Jillian Racoosin Kornmeier, MPH, Stephanie Anderson, The Coalition to End Social Isolation & Loneliness, The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC), Cassandra Harris-Gray, Healthy Places by Design, Rajiv Mehta, Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute, Gonzalo Brito Pons, PhD, Fundación Keralty, Wider Circle, Dr. Folakemi Odedina (PhD), Ivory Rose, OTD, Bill Friedman, Moshe Pinto, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), Jon Broyles, Camila Ronderos Bernal, Mayte Canino Mazzini, Charter for Compassion, Marilyn Turkovich, CompassionateUSA, Compassionate USA, Dr. Eric Castillo, Domingo Joshua Figueroa, Julie Moore Felux, PhD, Ann Helmke, Renatta Velasquez

Help Your Senior Clients Save: On November 4 at 1:00 PM ET, NANASP will go over tips to communicate Medicare Part D’s new cost-saving features for this current Open Enrollment period. Help your clients be prepared for #OpenEnrollment Register now: https://lnkd.in/gJs_a9G5

Be sure to tune in today! https://lnkd.in/eEnEemNf