EngAGE Across Generations

Affordable housing and homelessness

Central LA East LA South LA San Gabriel Valley West LA San Fernando Valley Gateway Cities South Bay Long Beach County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The goal of our programming is to address the epidemic of loneliness and isolation as noted in the US Surgeon General's Advisory for building a more connected society. Likewise, in 2020, before the pandemic, a study by the Harvard graduate School of Education titled “Loneliness in America”, 36% of all Americans reported serious loneliness (Weissbourd, Batanova, Lovison, Torres, 2019). In 2024, post-pandemic, a new study found that 43% of American adults reported no change in their level of loneliness (New APA Poll: 1 in 3 Americans Feels Lonely Every Week, January 30, 2024); 25% said they were lonelier. A study by Gallup and Meta (2023), "The Global State of Social Connections” noted 25% of young adults ages 15 to 18 are one of the loneliest age groups. Yet, targeted interventions for youth remain limited, despite evidence that social and emotional learning effectively reduce it. A UCSF study of EngAGE’s programs showed significant improvements in well-being and connectedness.

EngAGE Across Generations is a multidisciplinary arts program taught by professional artists providing art workshops and events in varying disciplines at no cost to participants. Programming will be kicked off with an audience engaged movement and dance exercises to recognize the generational divide. Following the kick-off, the workshops will consist of visual, literary, storytelling, music, theater, and other art forms. Professional teaching artists facilitate the 6–12-week workshops in one of the specific disciplines. At the end of the workshop sessions, a culminating event such as art shows, musical performances, social media posts, podcasts, readings, and other activities will enable participants to showcase their talent. To meet the unique needs of participants, we take a tiered approach. Tier 1: Multigenerational programs provide entry level initiatives bring together multiple generations with minimal structured interaction. Tier 2: Intergenerational program sessions provide intentionally facilitated interactions between the generations. While traditional roles may sometimes be observed, these programs create meaningful opportunities for relationship building and community contribution. Tier 3: Co-generational programs allow mixed generations to collaborate as equals on innovative projects challenging generational stereotypes. Through this strategic framework, we address a lack of connectivity, empowering all generations to foster a more inclusive and vibrant community.

EngAGE’s approach to creative and healthy aging through arts, wellness, lifelong learning and intergenerational programs builds connected communities for 4,340 older and young residents in our 24 affordable housing communities. These programs work toward creating a more vibrant and inclusive Los Angeles.
EngAGE Across Generations provides opportunities for improved health and quality of life for our residents. Initial feedback from earlier programming shows a substantial increase in a sense of purpose and belonging among seniors, while the youth stated improved understanding of older adults.
The US Surgeon General’s research on loneliness and isolation shows that lifestyle is more influential than genetic factors in health due to aging. By providing the framework, resources and skills in preventing decline, optimizing self-care and taking responsibility, we begin to see positive shifts in health. These effects of social connection and community reemphasized the importance of our work.