Celebrate Connection this May!

Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2024 theme is “Powered by Connection”, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.

Prior to becoming a Medicare broker, I worked in the medical device field for 13 years where I would assist patients in getting the Medical devices that they need. Throughout this time, I worked with many older adults and have seen first-hand the importance of social connection as we age.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy for older adults to feel isolated or disconnected from their communities. However, research consistently shows that maintaining social connections is essential for mental health, physical health, and our overall well-being and happiness as we age.

How does Social Connectivity Affect Your Health?

🧠 MENTAL HEALTH: One of the key areas where social connections have a significant impact is mental health. As we age, it's common to experience changes in cognitive function, such as memory decline or difficulty with problem-solving. However, staying socially active can help mitigate these effects. Numerous studies have also shown that maintaining strong social connections can significantly reduce the risk of depression among older adults. Engaging in conversations, participating in group activities, and maintaining friendships all stimulate the brain and promote cognitive function. By keeping our minds active and engaged, we can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and maintain mental sharpness well into our later years.

💪 PHYSICAL HEALTH: Social connections have a tangible effect on physical health. Studies have shown that older adults who are socially isolated are at a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. On the other hand, those who have strong social networks tend to have better overall health outcomes and a higher quality of life. This is partly because social connections encourage us to stay active and adopt healthy behaviors.

🙂 OVERALL WELL-BEING AND HAPPINESS: Social connections contribute to emotional well-being and overall happiness. Loneliness and social isolation are significant risk factors for depression and anxiety among older adults. By contrast, having strong social support networks can provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and fulfillment. Whether it's sharing a meal with loved ones or volunteering in the community, these connections enrich our lives and give us a sense of meaning and belonging.

Tips to Stay Socially Connected

✅ Join a social club. Find a local knitting or quilting group, book club, or weekly card game! Blair Senior Services has many club/group offerings.

✅ Follow local community Facebook pages to see what’s going on in our area: Blair County Happenings and Everything Blair County Group are good groups to follow to stay in the loop!

✅ Go for a walk. Grab a friend or join the “Walkie Talkies”, a walking club offered through Blair Senior Services.

✅ Attend a concert or festival. Blair County and Central PA Events and Entertainment is a good place to find info on local events.

✅ Play Bingo. Many local libraries and other community centers offer Bingo nights. Holy Trinity Catholic School runs bingo weekly!

✅ Join a gym. Many Medicare plans offer a free gym membership. Be sure to utilize this benefit to remain physically fit and socially connected!

✅ Pick up a new sport. How about tennis or pickleball? Both have a large, engaged community in the Blair County area. Call Gorilla House Gym to attend a tennis clinic or connect with the Blair County Pickleball Club to get involved in this hot new craze!

✅ Become a Foster Grandparent. Volunteers help children learn to read, provide one-on-one tutoring, and guide children at a critical time in their lives. Visit Blair Senior Services to get started.

✅ Volunteer in your community. Community centers and local event organizers are always looking for volunteers. Check with your local library, food pantry, museum, and YMCA to see if they need volunteers.

✅ Watch local sports. This is my father’s favorite thing to do! He heads to all of the high school sports games and this keeps him engaged with others who also love sports!

✅ Call a friend. Put a note on your calendar weekly to call a friend or family member, even if it’s just to chat for a few minutes to catch up. Better yet? Invite them out to lunch!

Summary

As a Medicare broker, I believe it's essential to recognize the importance of social connections in promoting the health and well-being of older adults. By encouraging our clients to stay socially engaged and providing resources to help them do so, we can support their overall health and happiness in retirement. Whether it's connecting them with local community events, social clubs, or volunteer opportunities, we can play a vital role in helping older adults stay connected and thrive as they age.

Care Compass is an independent insurance agency that helps seniors navigate the complexities of Medicare and other Senior Products. Our goal is to empower Medicare-eligible individuals to make educated and informed decisions about their healthcare. Our services are offered at NO COST to you. Care Compass is proudly owned and operated in Duncansville, Pennsylvania and we serve the residents of Blair County and the surrounding region. If you need Medicare assistance near Altoona, PA, contact us today!