EngAging Illinois at the Illinois State Fair, August 17

Come find us at the Illinois State Fair! EngAging Illinois will be launching We Are Aging Illinois: Portraits of Joy, Purpose, and Possibility, a photo campaign celebrating the spirit, diversity, and vitality of older adults. Stop by our photo booth in the Illinois building from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a free professional photo and tell us what aging well means to you. We hope to see you there!

Introducing the EngAging Illinois Ambassador Program

Want to help spread the word about EngAging Illinois? The Ambassador Program is an upcoming opportunity for Illinois residents to raise awareness about the Plan and its goals through their own networks and social media. Ambassadors will receive a brief orientation, materials, and social media content to help promote the work. It's an easy, flexible way to make a big impact. Look for details coming soon!

Work Groups Update

The EngAging Illinois work groups are well underway, with each group having met at least twice since launch. Across all work groups, dozens of commission members and others are driving progress on the Plan's four focus areas. Stay tuned for additional updates as this important work continues to take shape!

New AARP Report:

The Longevity Economy Outlook

Older adults are economic powerhouses and AARP's newly released Longevity Economy Outlook has the numbers to prove it. Adults age 50-plus generated $12.5 trillion in economic activity in 2024, accounting for 43% of U.S. GDP. The report explores workforce participation, consumer spending, unpaid contributions, and what it all means through 2060. Read the full report.

Grant to Rush University Medical Center Helps Address Older Adult Homelessness

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago has received a $100,000 grant from RRF Foundation for Aging to advance its Returning Home Occupational Therapy program. Building on a successful pilot, the one-year grant will support the development of a replicable occupational therapy model designed to help older adults transition from homelessness into stable housing, a meaningful step forward for the housing component of the Creating Livable and Connected Communities focus area of EngAging Illinois.

Illinois Cognitive Resources Network

The Illinois Cognitive Resources Network (ICRN) is a go-to hub for dementia education, support, and community resources across the state. From understanding dementia and navigating caregiving to finding local dementia-friendly communities, ICRN connects residents with the tools and information they need. Illinois now has 54 nationally recognized Dementia Friendly communities and 15,000 Dementia Friends, a testament to the growing movement for inclusive, supportive communities.

Explore the resources.

New EngAging Illinois Sample Social Media Posts and Graphics

Looking to spread the word about EngAging Illinois? We've added ready-to-use social media posts and graphics to the EngAging Illinois website — perfect for partners and advocates looking to share the Plan with their networks. Visit our webpage to download and start sharing!