Building Social Connections

Can your social connections help you live a longer and healthier life? Yes, according to new research.

You probably know that social engagement is one of the secrets to aging well and keeping up your cognitive health. New research shows that staying socially active actually increases your lifespan. Adults who are socially active tend to have better mental health, too. They’re less likely to be depressed.

How does being social give you a healthy edge? Part of the advantage stems from being physically active. Adults who are more social also tend to be more active.

Another part comes from having a lower biological age. Biological age refers to changes in body cells that occur gradually as we age. This aging can make us more susceptible to various diseases. Biological age is measured by physical measurements and markers in blood samples.

Adults who are socially active tend to be about 4 years younger in biological age, with a lower risk of illness and dying, said the researchers.

Did you know? Social interactions strengthen the body’s immune, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems, according to the researchers. This can reduce stress and build up your resistance to illnesses.

Among the most effective forms of being socially active were volunteer work, engaging with grandchildren, and participation in sports or social clubs, said the researchers.

Loneliness and Health

About one-third of older adults report that they lack companionship “some of the time” or “often,” as summarized in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Closely related, many adults often feel lonely. Loneliness is feeling uncomfortable or sad about lacking social connections.

Both social isolation and loneliness are experienced by U.S. adults of all ages, says the CDC. “Social isolation and loneliness put a person at risk of developing serious mental and physical health conditions,” they add.

Loneliness increases the risk for dementia by 31%, says the National Institute on Aging. Interacting with others not only makes you feel good—being social also stimulates your mind, keeping it strong.

Connecting: What’s in the Way?

For adults who want to stay socially connected, what gets in the way? Here are some common challenges:

• Being retired (not working) and missing interactions with coworkers
• Living alone, which requires extra effort to stay connected
• Living in a rural area where there may be fewer organized opportunities to socialize
• Lacking transportation that allows you to join group activities
• Poor health or a disability that can keep you from getting out comfortably
• Being too busy as a caregiver for a loved one
• Language barriers that may make it harder to participate in certain groups

Connecting: Make a Plan

If you feel you are missing out on the benefits of staying social, consider making a plan. Here are some ideas:

• Consider volunteering. Volunteering makes you part of a caring group. For many people, it gives life special meaning. Keep in mind that some volunteer roles can be done at home, like making phone calls to provide companionship or support to others.
• Evaluate your living situation. Some people move into a senior community or a senior apartment complex. Others share their home with someone else. Learn more about housing options in our blog.
• Join an exercise class. There are many classes and programs designed for older adults, so don’t worry if you don’t feel super fit. The Age Well blog on exercise for older adults lists some local options.
• If you live in a rural area, you may still be able to find a local senior center featuring activities and/or group meals where you can enjoy connecting with others. Also ask about transportation options.
• Take a look at the CoAction Senior Companion program. You might want to request a companion—or serve as one.
• Be sure to reach out to friends and family members regularly. If they’re far away, your connections might be video calls, texts, and photo-sharing.
• Address any hearing loss. Hearing loss is common as we age. People who have hearing loss sometimes withdraw from social situations, explains the National Institute on Aging. Only 1 in 3 older adults who has hearing loss uses a hearing aid, explains the video, Aging: Myth or Fact? Your healthcare provider can help.
• If you are feeling isolated as a caregiver, explore ways to care for yourself.
• If you are living with a disability or an ongoing illness, consider joining a support group. These can be in-person or virtual. For people living with dementia and their caregivers, the CoAction Memory Café events provide an opportunity to connect and socialize.

As you think about your own situation, you may have more ideas. Whatever works for you to build connections is ideal. Staying connected with others helps sustain your health and happiness. Sometimes it takes effort, and the effort will pay off in wellness.