Illinois Department on Aging

08/28/2026

Join me Tuesday, September 1st from 6-7:30pm in Willow Springs, for a Medicare 101 Seminar where you’ll hear directly from a representative with the Illinois Department on Aging.

This session will help you better understand your coverage options, how Medicare works, and give you the chance to have your questions answered in real time.

08/26/2026

We want to share an exciting opportunity for Illinois hospitals and health systems committed to age-friendly care!

The American Hospital Association has opened applications for the inaugural AHA Age-Friendly Healthcare Impact Award, sponsored by The John A. Hartford Foundation. This award recognizes hospitals and health systems that are embedding the 4Ms framework — What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility — into their strategy, operations, and daily practice to deliver safer, more personalized care for adults 65 and older.

Age-friendly care is an important part of EngAging Illinois's work, and we applaud efforts like this that elevate and recognize organizations doing this important work.

Applications are open now and due September 25.

Learn more and apply at aha.org/agefriendlyaward

08/25/2026

We're excited to be speaking about EngAging Illinois at AgeGuide's 5th Annual Aging Summit on September 17!

IDoA Director Mary Killough, Chief Planning Officer for Illinois’ Multisector Plan for Aging Michelle Hoersch, and Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley, will be joining colleagues for A State for All Ages: A Roadmap for Livability in Illinois, where they'll discuss how cross-sector partnerships, thoughtful policies, and community investments can help create places where people of all ages can thrive.

As Illinois' older adult population continues to grow, it's more important than ever to explore innovative approaches to housing, community development, financial security, and livable communities that benefit everyone. We hope you’ll register for the summit and join us for this important conversation. Looking forward to connecting with fellow professionals and community leaders dedicated to advancing a more age-friendly Illinois!

Register today: ageguide.org/agingsummit

08/21/2026

08/19/2026

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements? The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

📝See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

💻 Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

08/19/2026

What an incredible day at the Illinois State Fair!

On Monday, EngAging Illinois launched "We Are Aging Illinois: Portraits of Joy, Purpose, and Possibility", and the response was overwhelming. More than 120 older adults and their families stopped by our photo booth at the Illinois Building to share their smiles, their stories, and what aging well means to them. We are so grateful to the participants and volunteers who came out to be part of this!

This is just the beginning. We are taking this project online so that everyone across Illinois can participate, no matter where you live. Stay tuned for details on how you can be part of the We Are Aging Illinois campaign!

Learn more about EngAging Illinois at bit.ly/engagingillinois

08/19/2026

Pamper yourself with a free manicure at the Illinois State Fair 💅

The University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts will be in the Illinois Building's mezzanine area from 10-3 today.

08/18/2026

Free haircuts at the Illinois State Fair 💇‍♀️

The University of Spa and Cosmetology Arts will be in the Illinois Building offering free haircuts on Tuesday. Aug. 18 and Thursday, Aug. 20.

08/17/2026

We have giveaways! Visit with 100+ vendors, get your blood pressure checked, try your luck at bingo or Jeopardy, and end your day with popcorn and a movie.

We're here in the Illinois Building until 5 p.m. today.

08/17/2026

🧓🧭🎡 It's Senior & Scout Day at the 2026 Illinois State Fair! 🎡🧭🧓

Whether you're visiting with your troop, making memories with the grandkids, or enjoying a day at the fair with friends, today is packed with agriculture, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences!

🎟️ Fairgoers ages 60+ and Scouts in uniform receive FREE admission today!

Here's what's happening:
🧩 YMCA Senior Activities – 9 AM
🛍️ Illinois Best Bagger Competition – 10 AM
🚘 Miles of Smiles Car Show at the Route 66 Experience – 2 PM
🎶 Shake Baby Shake on the Grand Central Stage FREE Concert Series – 7:30 PM
🎤 FREE 38 Special concert on the Grandstand stage – 8 PM

🐂 Livestock Highlights:
• Cattle Show
• Draft Horse Show
• Goat Show

⭐ Special Events
• Senior & Scout Day celebrations
• Scout Day activities near the Carnival Midway
• ITPA Truck & Tractor Pulls – 7:30 PM in the Arena

📸 Free Entertainment
• Harness Racing
• High Dive Show
• Kardenni Magic
• Big Top Adventures Circus
• Dino Encounters
• Sky High Balloon Guy
• Street Drum Corp
• Strolling Piano & DJ
• Zoo Lady Face Painting
• Great American Sing-Along
…and your favorite attractions happening throughout the fairgrounds!

From championship livestock and thrilling entertainment to classic rock under the stars, there's no better way to spend your Monday than at the Illinois State Fair.

🎡 Come enjoy Senior & Scout Day and keep making Miles of Smiles with us! 🎠