LeadingAge CAST is part of the Commit to Connect initiative, which uses technology and other strategies to combat social isolation and loneliness in all communities.

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads Commit to Connect, made of partners from across the federal government, the aging and disability network, philanthropy, and industry. This public-private partnership brings a coordinated, national approach to address social isolation during COVID-19 and beyond.

CAST Resources

CAST has been involved in guiding the effort leading to the birth of this initiative since September 2019. CAST has recently shared two important tools in Commit to Connect’s Resources for the Aging and Disability Networks. 

• LeadingAge Pandemic Playbook: This interactive collection shares insight, wisdom, and critical lessons LeadingAge members have learned about serving older adults during a catastrophic health crisis. It will help ensure that providers can prepare for and mitigate the impact of a future pandemic.
• LeadingAge CAST Social Connectedness and Engagement Technology Tool: This online tool, which includes a white paper, helps aging services providers understand, plan for, select, and implement technology to help older adults connect and engage. 

About Commit to Connect

As Lance Robertson, ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging noted in a recent ACL blog, Commit to Connect is doing the following and more:

• Building a nationwide network of champions to collaborate on solutions and help reach more people.
• Developing an online, consumer-focused tool that matches people who are socially isolated to customized suggestions for resources that can help them connect and engage.
• Establishing critical partnerships in communities and across all levels of government.
• Sharing successful initiatives that can be implemented in communities across the country. 

At ACL.gov/CommitToConnect, providers will find helpful activities that older adults can do alone or with family and friends. Links to resources showcase programs and activities in communities across the country. Also included are ideas for how to give the gift of connection, all year long.