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Student volunteers and adult day care participants are joined by children from the Robert G. Combs Language Preschool at the MU College of Health Sciences for games and activities in this 2019 file photo by Annika Miller, SilverBox Photographers.
There’s no single formula for staying healthy as we age. A variety of factors affect how we age, and many of them are beyond our control. But there’s one factor we can focus on that plays a significant role in our satisfaction with aging: strong social connections.
Social isolation and loneliness tend to increase as we age due to retirement, health issues, limited mobility, lack of transportation and potential loss of people previously in our social circles. In addition to the negative mental effects, those who face social isolation and loneliness face a 29% increased risk of early mortality, which is similar to rates associated with smoking and obesity.
Research shows that remaining socially active improves quality of life, both physically and mentally, helping older adults live longer, maintain mobility and lower their risk of depression and dementia.
So, how can you increase your social activity as you age?
- Find an activity or hobby you enjoy or find ways to learn something new. MU Extension offers a variety of programs that focus on healthy aging, including Wits Workout; Alzheimer’s Association programs; Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention; Stay Strong, Stay Healthy; Living a Healthy Life With Chronic Conditions; and Powerful Tools for Caregivers.
- Keep in touch with family and friends. Think about scheduling regular times to connect in person or over the phone.
- Consider joining community, volunteer or faith-based organizations to engage with others.
- Contact your local senior center to learn more about the resources and programs they offer to aging adults.
Staying social is important at any age, so find someone to connect with today.
Adapted from: A surprising key to healthy aging: Strong social connections, Mayo Clinic; Social Engagement, USAging; Loneliness and Social Isolation – Tips for Staying Connected, National Institute on Aging; and 12 Ways for Older Adults To Stay Socially Connected, Senior Navigator.
Maria Calvert is a University of Missouri Extension field specialist in human development based in Franklin County and serving the counties of Crawford, Franklin, Gasconade, Lincoln, Montgomery, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Warren and Washington.