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

Background Social 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. Objective To describe social engagement program types and partnership structures among AAAs and to examine rural–non-rural differences. Methods We 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. Results Most 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.