For All Ages

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Conversation & Camaraderie for providing positive social connection to men in the Farmington Valley!

We’re celebrating a new CT Connection Champion: Conversation and Camaraderie (“C & C”) based in Avon! 💛

Conversation and Camaraderie creates space for men to build meaningful relationships through open, thoughtful dialogue. By bringing men together in a welcoming, supportive environment, C & C helps address the challenges of isolation, loneliness, and sense of purpose that many experience across different stages of life.

Through regular gatherings at the Avon Public Library and nearby libraries that combine connection time with facilitated conversations, participants explore topics shaped by their lived experiences - past and present. At the heart of C & C is the power of listening as much as sharing, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and authentic connection.

By creating a safe and comfortable space where perspectives are acknowledged and valued, Conversation and Camaraderie nurtures lasting friendships, a strong sense of community, and deeper social connection. Their work highlights how meaningful conversation can strengthen well-being and belonging.

👏 Thank you to Conversation and Camaraderie for championing social connection and creating space for men to connect and thrive.

Learn more about the CT Connection Champions program and nominate an organization fostering social connection at endlonelinessct.org/connection-champions.

05/28/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to a close, and yesterday we were honored to spend time with Prudential employees across the country talking about the Power of Social Connection and its role in mental and social health.

Thank you to Prudential's Generations and ADAPT Business Resiliency Groups for bringing us together.

Connection isn’t missing because people don’t care; rather, it’s often what gets squeezed out as life and work speed up. Yet, it’s one of the most important ways we support our well-being - it helps us manage stress, build resilience, and feel a sense of belonging in our day-to-day lives.

We explored simple, practical ways to strengthen connection. Things that don’t require more time, but simply a bit more intention.

It might look like noticing a moment of joy you would normally rush past. Or taking a minute to share something personal and find common ground with someone else.

Sometimes it’s choosing curiosity instead of making an assumption, or reaching out when it feels slightly outside your comfort zone. Other times it’s a small act of kindness or a brief interaction that reminds you that you are not alone.

None of these are big gestures. And that’s the point. It’s the small, consistent actions. Checking in. Really listening. Offering encouragement. Those are the moments that shape how we feel at work and with each other.

We are grateful to Prudential team members for showing up with such openness and engagement, and for the commitment to creating a culture where people feel seen, supported, and connected.

As we move beyond May, this feels worth holding onto. Connection does not require more time. It requires more intention.

What is one small way you will create more connection this week? 💙

05/27/2026

We're back with more magical moments from the 2026 Buddies & Bobbers fishing derby, courtesy of John Straub, Mark Tegtmeier, and Kevin Hulse. Enjoy!

05/26/2026

Community Connector Tony Bacigalupo is actively weaving community in Norwalk. Read what he - and 60 other community members - have been up to in his newest blog post.

From handing out flyers alone at the SoNo Saturday Market… to working alongside 60+ community members on a citywide task force.

In his latest blog, Community Connector Tony Bacigalupo shares how saying yes to one opportunity changed everything. What started as a solo effort became real momentum - thanks to shared goals, structure, and the accountability of working with others.

💡 Key takeaway: it’s hard to build momentum alone. When you join forces with others who care, your capacity to create change multiplies.

This is what happens when individual effort turns into collective action.

🔗 Read Tony's blog post: https://endlonelinessct.org/f/from-handing-out-flyers-to-a-60-person-task-force

05/25/2026

Today, we remember. 🌺

With gratitude for those who gave everything, and with intention to live in a way that honors that sacrifice ~

through kindness, connection, and care for one another.

05/24/2026

Here's something we need to talk more about - the power of talking.

Researchers have found that from 2005-2019, our daily speaking decreased by nearly 30%. That dramatic decrease may be contributing to increases in loneliness and cognitive decline.

As Co-Chair of the CT Collaborative to End Loneliness Healthcare Provider workgroup, Fred Schott is always on the hunt for interesting articles on social connection and loneliness. Thanks, Fred!

👉 Read more: https://www.umkc.edu/news/posts/2026/march/are-we-talking-less-than-we-used-to.html

Are you a CT resident interested in contributing to advancing social health?

🔗 Reach out to Deb at deb.bibbins@forallages.org to talk about joining the CT Collaborative to End Loneliness Healthcare Provider workgroup today.

New research suggests our daily conversations are shrinking, with people speaking 300 less words each day

05/21/2026

We are honored to be facilitating this important project to foster social connection for CT residents with developmental disabilities.

"People with disabilities…may have trouble accessing groups and organizations.”

That insight from Michelle Putnam, Director of the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts, points to something important:

Many adults with developmental disabilities are excluded from the very places where friendships and relationships are typically formed - and that impact compounds over time.

That’s why, in 2025, we published Action Guides to create inclusive connection.

And it's why, starting today, we are pleased to be partnering with a small group of organizations to co-create new programs fostering connection for adults with developmental disabilities.

Thank you to the CT Council on Developmental Disabilities for supporting this important work.

Learn more and download the free Action Guides at www.endlonelinessCT.org/inclusive-connection.

The Arc Connecticut Down Syndrome Association of Connecticut - DS ACT Keep the Promise Coalition Connecticut Family Support Network (CTFSN)

05/20/2026

Each Wednesday in May for , we’ll share expert insights on the many dimensions of wellness that contribute to overall well-being.

Today’s perspective comes from Deb Bibbins, Founder & CEO of For All Ages:

Mental health is deeply influenced by how we connect with one another.

When people feel valued, included, and supported, wellbeing grows.
Resilience strengthens.
Purpose takes shape.

At For All Ages, we foster social health by empowering people to build real connections that transform health and life outcomes. Through volunteer‑powered intergenerational and peer‑to‑peer connection programs, educational workshops, and community events, we give people the tools, opportunities, and support to build lasting connections in their everyday lives.

Mental health is strengthened through human connection.
Feeling seen.
Feeling included.
Feeling like you belong.

Connection is possible at every age.
Find yours at forallages.org and endlonelinessCT.org

05/16/2026

What a glorious day! 😎🎣

We’re so grateful to every volunteer and partner who helped make the 2026 Buddies & Bobbers learn-to-fish derby such a special experience. From first casts to proud catches, it was a day full of learning, laughter, and connection across generations.

Here’s a small preview - just a handful of teaser photos for now. Our official event photographers will be sharing many more moments soon, and we can’t wait for you to see them. 💙

05/14/2026

It’s derby week… the Buddies & Bobbers Learn-to-Fish Derby is almost here! 🎣

We’re incredibly grateful to our 2026 B&B partners. Because of their support, nearly four dozen older adults, veterans, and youth will come together for a day of connection, learning, and joy - completely free of charge.

Buddies & Bobbers is more than fishing - it’s a one-of-a-kind, intergenerational experience featuring mentoringship, shared moments, new friendships, and the kind of experiences that stay with everyone who attends long after the day ends.

Thank you to each of our partners for making this possible. We couldn’t do it without you. 💙

Winding Trails, Inc. Plainville Indoor Sports Arena TAG'S Tackle BOX Nardelli's Grinder Shoppe Big Y World Class Market Stop & Shop