EngAGE was initially developed in 2020 by the Collaborative for Rehab Innovations (CRI) and the Discipline of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Newcastle. The motivation to develop the program came from engagement from the Central Coast Local Health District indicating the significant challenges associated with loneliness and physical exercise in the over 65 aged group. In response, the EngAGE team developed two programs that deliver a combined practitioner and student service model. The programs provide supervised exercise sessions creating a social, sustainable, and enjoyable exercise culture for participants.

In the ensuing years the EngAGE team and program has expanded significantly and now spans multiple regions, health districts, has multiple large commercial partners, and is governed through a multi-national university leadership group. The vision is to develop EngAGE to be a national program, training the next generation of practitioners, while delivering skills to the community to improve their social connectedness, health and quality of life.