1 

Socialization Webinar Tip Sheet

Note: The following information is from a March 2021 ACL webinar series, Nutrition, 

Socialization, and Health & Well-Being. To view the webinars, visit acl.gov/SeniorNutrition.

Purpose: Understand socialization challenges faced by the aging network, highlight the 

importance of community and connection for seniors, and discuss virtual programming to 

combat social isolation.

Senior Nutrition Program

The National Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) is 

funded by the Older Americans Act. The program 

provides older adults with meals and nutrition 

services and promotes socialization and health and 

well-being. Learn more about the SNP.

Importance of Community

A community is defined as a group of individuals 

who have a sense of connection. In a healthy 

community, people are socially supported and have access to resources to improve their lives. 

Providing a sense of community for older adults helps to improve their happiness, 

independence, and health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities were threatened with 

social isolation. With the help of technology and the intent to sustain the physical and mental 

health of older adults, community organizations were able to connect, and new communities

were created. 

Virtual Community

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical distancing was necessary, aging network 

organizations expanded opportunities for seniors to socialize virtually. The network may want to 

consider keeping these activities in place even after the pandemic. One example of a successful 

virtual community that promoted socialization during this time is Silver Linings in Old Bridge,

New Jersey. When their meal site was closed to in-person events, their Facebook group was a 

way for members to communicate and enjoy activities together virtually, from the safety of their 

homes. Silver Linings started holding a variety of virtual activities, including online exercise 

classes, a weekly photo challenge, and online arts & crafts classes.

Overcoming Barriers

When it comes to supporting virtual socialization among seniors, many SNPs face three 

common barriers: staffing, funding, and technology. To address staffing, SNPs should consider 

partnering with their site or senior center to deliver programming to homebound seniors or seek 

out volunteers to do wellness calls or assist during grab-and-go events. Funding limitations can 

be addressed through obtaining grants, partnering with local businesses and restaurants, or 

securing community donations. And, finally, SNPs should use a variety of technology platforms

to help increase the likelihood of participation, including free social media platforms, computers, 

smart phones, and tablets. And for those seniors who are not comfortable using or don’t have 

access to technology, they should be able to dial into a virtual event using their phone.
2 

Tribal Specific Barriers

Native tribes not only face the above barriers but also deal with additional barriers, such as 

geographic isolation, multi-generational households, and a lack of understanding about native 

tribe culture. Because native tribes often are located in rural areas, access to services, 

products, and resources can be difficult. The older population in tribes may also have the added 

stress and responsibility of raising grandchildren. 

Socialization Ideas

Add culture to an activity • Host a cooking activity that shares recipes for traditional 

foods

• Have activities that involves using a native language

• Play a phone game where elders respond to questions, 

which are pulled out of a hat, that relate to their culture 

Car Bingo • Host a bingo game in a parking lot where participants 

remain in their car while playing

Grab & Go Events • Use grab-and-go meals as a way to connect with 

participants

• Incorporate local bands, care packages, connection to 

network services, and personalized notes

Lunch & Learn • Have a virtual meeting during lunch to offer socialization 

time

• Incorporate learning themes, such as foods that are 

served in a specific country or region or are from a

specific historical period

Socialization Check-In • Create a socialization check-in system as part of your 

meal delivery program where people can place a colorcoded card in their window; a red card means they need 

a socialization check-in, a green card indicates they don’t

Virtual Activities • Conduct history lessons/“summer school”

• Hold an event with a guest speaker 

• Start a weekly photo challenge 

• Offer sketching classes using a combination of a prerecorded sketching assignment followed by live 

comments and feedback from an instructor via Zoom or 

another online platform

• Post pre-recorded exercise videos and/or live classes via 

Facebook Live and/or Zoom or another online platform

• Host Mindful Mondays with mental health posts and 

presentations

• Host Trivia Tuesdays with trivia themed weeks or months 

• Host Technology Thursdays to teach an online course on 

the basics of technology
3 

Resources and Tools

• Websites used for content (credit is given to sites when using articles/content)

o ACL.gov

o NCOA.org

o SeniorPlanet.org

o AARP.org

o idontmind.com

o YouTube.com

o MyFreeBingoCards.com 

• Graphic Design Poster Creator

o Snappa

• ACL Senior Nutrition Program Community Tools

• Silver Linings at Old Bridge Facebook Group

• ACL Resource Centers: 

o National Resource Center on Native American Aging

o National Resource Center for Alaska Native Elders

o National Resource Center for Native Hawaiian Elders

This material was developed by ACL Intern Mackenzie Brown, Tufts University, 2021.