07/31/2025
Congrats!
🎉 Celebrating Ohio’s Innovation in Aging! 🎉
On July 21, 2025, during USAging’s 50th Annual Conference & Tradeshow in Chicago, 41 groundbreaking programs from Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) were honored with the 2025 Aging Innovations & Achievement Awards! 🏆✨
We are proud to celebrate two outstanding programs from Ohio that were recognized as Aging Innovations Award winners, showcasing how local solutions can transform the way older adults age in their communities—supporting independence, health, and well-being.
🚨 Spotlight on Ohio’s Aging Innovations Award Winners:
🏅 Tied for Third Place – DISH Dining Clubs
Area Agency on Aging 3 (Lima, OH)
The DISH (Dining to Improve Socialization & Health) program reimagines congregate meals by partnering with over 30 local restaurants, senior centers, and culinary programs. Older adults receive a preloaded card for four meals per month, promoting flexibility and choice. DISH Dining Clubs bring participants together for shared meals, guest speakers, and resource sharing—combating food insecurity while fostering connection and community.
🏅 Aging Innovations Award Winner – A Tale of Two Cities Within One City
Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio
This impactful initiative tackled life expectancy disparities just four miles apart in Toledo, Ohio. By addressing barriers like healthcare access, food insecurity, home repairs, transportation, and social isolation, the program implemented community-driven interventions—creating meal sites, supporting a dental clinic, delivering produce boxes, offering bus passes, and expanding wellness and caregiver programs to uplift the Vistula neighborhood.
🗣️ “These programs are not only improving lives today but shaping a stronger, more supportive future for aging across the country.” — Sandy Markwood, USAging CEO
📖 Explore the full list of award-winning programs in the 2025 USAging Innovations & Achievement Showcase ➡️ [Insert Link]
