By Corey Remle, Community Health Worker

A 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report discussed the healing effects of positive relationships with family, friends, and the community. Engaging in social activities like volunteering, joining a church community, or being a part of clubs are all valuable ways to stay connected, boost your health, and live longer with lower stress. Planning and coordinating activities may increase mental stimulation and have a positive effect on memory. This is especially important for seniors.

Among people with diabetes, social connection has been associated with better disease management and better self-rated health. Family support encourages individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes to take better care of themselves. Studies show that patients with diabetes who have strong social networks are more likely to take medications properly, monitor blood sugar levels carefully, and manage their diet.

Psychologically, social connections increase resilience and hopefulness. Making connections through an activity like volunteering can strengthen one’s sense of purpose and meaning. Being socially active improves our awareness that we can cope with daily challenges and access support in times of need – even just by knowing that others care about us.

On the other hand, loneliness and social isolation are associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression. Socially isolated adults may also have trouble sleeping. Many health specialists worried about physical and emotional effects like these during the COVID-19 pandemic and people who work with seniors today remain concerned.

Feelings of depression or anxiety can have a negative effect on your interest in social activities and increase feelings of loneliness. The effects of loneliness and social isolation can be as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, drinking six alcoholic drinks daily, or not engaging in physical activity, according to the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Report.

Suicidal ideation and self-harm are associated with loneliness and isolation, especially among men. According to one study of over 500,000 middle-aged adults, the probability of dying by suicide more than doubled among men who live alone. Multiple other reports have expressed concerns regarding suicide among Veterans. Social connections and friendships can offer protection against someone experiencing such isolation.

Living alone, being a caregiver, or having vision difficulties that affect driving (especially at night) can challenge one’s level of social connectedness. Try being creative and open to new solutions that might work around those factors. Senior Centers, churches, and libraries in the area may have free daytime activities that you would enjoy.

Another suggestion to avoid disconnection is to get your hearing checked! Someone who cannot hear well may avoid socializing and become isolated. It can be very frustrating to ask people to repeat themselves during conversations so it may seem less stressful to avoid social events. With hearing aids, these frustrations can go away and you can enjoy social events again!

To enjoy time with friends, you can ask someone to go with you to try a new or different restaurant or local event. Some local organizations or groups might also offer respite care if you are a caregiver for a loved one. Respite care would provide someone to stay with your loved one while you engage in a social activity for yourself. In the Pee Dee, call Vantage Point at              (843) 383-8632 for more information about the availability of respite care vouchers.

Here are some tips for increasing your social connections with others in order to boost your emotional, psychological, and physical health:

• Find an activity you enjoy that involves interacting with others. Examples include card games, a yoga class, a book club, or potluck dinners with family and friends.
• Learn something new. Join a cooking, art, or language class in person or online. You can meet new people with similar interests. Local technical colleges may allow seniors to attend classes for a nominal fee.
• AARP and other organizations offer online communities for caregivers to share experiences, ask questions, and create support groups.
• Get moving! Go for a walk with friends or join a swimming class. Exercise boosts your mood and relieves stress.
• Volunteer in the community. Helping others can lead to you feeling better!
• Consider adopting a pet. Animals can be a source of comfort.
• Stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors in person, online, or by phone. Have someone you trust visit you regularly.
  • If you text or speak on the phone, it does not have to be a long conversation. I text my mother a different “dad joke” each day. We may have a longer conversation if time allows, but no matter what, we share a laugh to start the day.

Start by adding only one or two activities to your routine and see how you feel. Introverts do not need to force themselves to become extroverted by engaging in too many social activities. The goals are to have fun and boost positive feelings!

HopeHealth offers Senior with Hope, a free monthly gathering for seniors to hear community presenters and HopeHealth providers discuss important health topics. There are door prizes and opportunities for socializing with other attendees.

Seniors with Hope meets once a month at the following locations:

• Seniors with Hope at Bethea: This session occurs at the Bethea Retirement Community (157 Home Avenue, Darlington) from 2-3:30pm on the first Thursday of the month.
• Seniors with Hope at Streater: This session occurs at the new Streater Community Center (301 N. Dargan Street, Florence) from 2-3:30pm on the second Thursday of the month.
• Seniors with Hope in Kingstree: This session occurs at HopeHealth in Kingstree (520 Thurgood Marshall Boulevard, Kingstree) from 2-3:30pm on the third Thursday of the month.