If you want to live a long life and keep dementia, memory loss, and other health conditions at bay, you may want to invest in your relationships.

According to one Harvard study, embracing community was the most important factor for a long life, even more so than diet, exercise, or quality sleep. While these things are all important, the first-of-its-kind study shines a light on the understated importance of our relationships and how happy we are in them. According to the director of the study, Robert Waldinger, they have a powerful influence on our health.

Unfortunately, as we get older, our social lives slow down. If we have children, they get older and move out of the family home; friends and extended family move away, and we no longer go out as often as we used to. Before we know it, you begin to feel lonely. Developing and fostering personal relationships is a critical way to maintain optimal health.

The Dangers of Social Isolation

As we learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation had devastating impacts on humans all over the world. For many ages 65+, building and creating a fulfilling social life is easier said than done.

Many older adults live alone without transportation, and a growing number of them are widowed. Further, some even live with one or more disabilities, adding to these existing challenges. Still, it’s important to know the dangers of social isolation and discover ways to avoid it. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), lonely older adults are:

• 50% more likely to develop dementia
• 29% more likely to have heart disease
• 32% more likely to suffer a stroke
• Four times as likely to die from heart failure
• 57% more likely to require emergency medical care

Strengthening Relationships with Friends and Family

The good news is that there are ways older adults can stay engaged with friends, family, and their community! One way to stay connected to friends and family, even if they live far away, is to create a social media account.

While smartphones and the internet leave much to be desired when it comes to social connections since you are communicating from behind a screen, one study found that older adults who stay connected via social media feel better and are less lonely. You can also join a number of local Facebook groups dedicated to older adults and their hobbies and interests, where you can meet people nearby.

Where Can Older Adults Go to Build Relationships?

Fortunately, there are many opportunities for adults ages 65+ to develop relationships and keep the sense of community going strong! Some places even offer transportation. A few things you can do to establish relationships include:

• Joining or volunteering at a church or other faith-based organizations. Many churches have ministries and events that can keep older adults involved in their communities. Many also offer outreach opportunities where older adults can make an impact in their communities by feeding the homeless or mentoring youth in poverty. This is also a good place to connect with others who share your beliefs and values.
• Signing up for a community center offering hobbies and activities for older adults. Local YMCAs offer activities specifically for adults ages 65+. You can get fit and make a new friend or two!
• Volunteering at a local charity or nonprofit organization. The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, or your local animal shelter likely provides a number of volunteer opportunities that could keep you physically and socially active. Consider contributing time and effort to preserving and cleaning up nature trails in local parks.
• Attending discounted or free classes at participating colleges for adults 65+. In the same way that the body needs physical movement to stay healthy, the mind needs stimulation to prevent age-related cognitive decline. Learning new skills through a class or joining group activities such as a book club are great ways to keep you on your toes and meet new people.
• Joining a mature dating site. Even if you are not interested in starting a romantic relationship, today’s dating sites, like OurTime, for example, are a great way to meet other older adults who share your same interests, hobbies, and values!
• Maintaining a great relationship with your doctor and health care team. Many doctors who specialize in caring for adults 65+ offer different classes and fun social activities to keep you socially, mentally, and physically active.

Become An IntuneHealth Patient Today

IntuneHealth is a new approach to healthcare for adults on a Medicare Advantage plan. We specialize in caring for adults 65+ and offer proactive, preventive primary care to keep you healthy — including walk-in visits and same-day appointments for patients — so you can spend more time living your best life. 

We also offer events and programs to keep our patients healthy, active and connected, from yoga to cooking classes. Make sure to book your one-on-one tour of your local center, or call us today at 1 (844) 646-8863!