Helping Older Adults Stay Connected
As people age, staying connected, active, and engaged becomes increasingly important. Changes in health, daily routines, and support needs can sometimes make it more difficult to maintain those connections. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called loneliness and social isolation serious public health concerns, with 1 in 4 adults over 65 considered socially isolated. Through Celebrating Seniors, Children’s Aid and Family Services helps older adults navigate these changes while creating opportunities to learn, connect with others, and feel supported.
The program serves older adults in Bergen and Passaic Counties through workshops focused on healthy aging, chronic disease management, medication safety, substance misuse prevention, mental health, and technology. The “WISE” program is taught in an interactive setting, while “Taking Control of Your Health” offers a more structured learning experience with workbook activities. Both six-week programs help participants understand how their bodies change with age and how to advocate for their needs.
“Get Connected” focuses on life transitions, such as retirement, loneliness, loss of independence, and prescription misuse. “I spoke at an event about loneliness, and a woman came up to me asking for a hug,” shares Dondago Bellamy, Prevention Specialist. “She said she woke up feeling off that morning, and that what I was sharing was exactly what she was going through.”
Technology has also become an important focus. “I try to make learning technology fun by showing them how it helps them stay relevant,” says Rosemary Marchetto, Prevention Specialist. “Whether they want to learn about gardening, watch a show, or search for something that interests them, the goal is to get them engaged.”
The program continues to expand its reach through education and prevention. A recent Narcan training brought out an impressive turnout of 60 seniors, highlighting the importance of overdose prevention education.
A new pilot program will combine “Get Connected” with tablet-based learning, including home visits for Passaic County residents who are homebound and medically vulnerable. The goal is to reduce loneliness and make support easier to access. By bringing technology and personal connection directly to participants, the program aims to reduce loneliness and make support more accessible.
To learn more about these classes or to register, visit https://www.tcadr.org/events/
IMPACT NEWSLETTER – August 2026
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