Welcome to our #engAGEDaging Twitter Chat with #engAGED! We encourage you to answer questions we pose and use #engAGEDaging in your response. We can’t wait to hear from you!

The Osher NRC is participating on a twitter chat right now: #engAGEDaging Twitter Chat with #engAGED!

A1: As we age, we become more at risk for #loneliness and lack of social interaction. Our friends pass away and we may become less mobile and active. But staying engaged has important benefits for our physical and mental #health. #engAGEDaging

A1: Social engagement reduces risk for #HeartDisease and #cancer, potentially reduces risk for Alzheimer’s and #dementia, lowers our blood pressure, decreases our stress, and improves our #MentalHealth. It is essential that we remain engaged as we age! #engAGEDaging

A1. Social engagement embodies a variety of activities including civic engagement, creative arts, lifelong learning and technology. Engaging in these and other activities contributes to greater physical, mental and emotional health for #OlderAdults. #engAGEDaging

A1. Social engagement helps reduce loneliness – & the negative health impacts – for all ages. #Intergenerational programs help break down barriers btwn the gens, promote social engagement, & improve health outcomes. Learn more: buff.ly/2Yq2o9A #engAGEDaging #engAGED

A2. Engagement in high-quality intergenerational programs and meaningful cross-age relationships can decrease social isolation among #olderadults while increasing their feelings of belonging, self-esteem, and well-being. #engAGEDaging #engAGED 1/2

A2. Young people also benefit from intergenerational programs, which can help them experience improvements in behavior and academic skills, increased self-esteem, and a greater sense of empathy. #engAGEDaging #engAGED 2/2

A2: Social engagement – especially #intergenerational programming – has benefits for everyone involved. Older adults remain involved and active, while younger community members can benefit from the wisdom and experience that our Elders bring to the table. #engAGEDaging

@n4aACTION We like to promote intergenerational connections to create reciprocal benefits between #OlderAdults and those from other generations in our community. This promotes #engAGEDaging!

A3. #Intergenerational activities are a great way to promote social engagement for #olderadults and youth. It’s a win-win. Learn more at bit.ly/2ZkW2JH #engAGEDaging #engAGED

A3: We urge agencies to consider the unique cultural and linguistic needs of your community's elders when developing and advertising your programs. Do your images reflect the #diversity of your community? Do you have rainbow flags that affirm #LGBT clients? #engAGEDaging

A3. They also can create the cost-efficiencies of sharing space, resources, personnel, rent and more.  Learn more about shared sites at buff.ly/2ZnmK06 #engAGEDaging #engAGED 2/2

A4. Assess your readiness to begin, find out #olderadults interests and skills, and identify good partners. Learn more about starting #intergenerational programs at buff.ly/3083btY #engAGEDaging #engAGED

A5: And in #Nebraska, residents at the Oglala Sioux Lakota Nursing Home enjoy traditional beadwork in the craft room and grow squash, beans and pumpkins in #gardens, as they did at home. Artwork created by #Native artists adorns the walls. bit.ly/2zrPlFc #engAGEDaging

@n4aACTION A4. Assess your readiness to begin, find out #olderadults interests and skills, and identify good partners. Learn more about starting #intergenerational programs at bit.ly/2LgM0iW #engAGEDaging #engAGED

@n4aACTION A6. A new report from Generations United and Eisner Foundation explores why #intergenerational shared site programs work and looks at why they are not more common. Learn more about the challenges and lessons learned from existing sites at bit.ly/2MJlOBw #engAGEDaging #engAGED

A9: Meet older adults where they’re at! Advertising on the #radio or through ethnic media is a good way to reach elders who may otherwise miss flyers in locations they don’t frequent or on social media. Don’t forget to use #language that is easily understood by all! #engAGEDaging

A10: Listen, listen, listen. Check your #assumptions about #OlderAdults at the door and let our realities and needs guide your organization’s work. Make things #accessible! Let us bring our whole selves to your programs! And keep doing great things.💜#engAGEDaging

A10. Use the engAGED Community Toolkit at engagingolderadults.org! #engAGEDaging