Social Connections are a Key to Aging Well

After people retire, their social networks may shrink. During work years, many people form their identity and social network around their work life, as they regularly see people at work or belong to professional networking groups. When that ends, the effects of this change can be unexpected, and people may start to search for new social connections.

Where do older adults find and create new friendships? There are many community organizations to which people can turn to meet new friends. North Shore Senior Center has many opportunities for people in this stage of life to connect with others and find friends and support.

An abundance of research has demonstrated the importance of connections through a social network to our health and well-being as we age. A landmark 10-year study by the MacArthur Foundation, published in the book Successful Aging, underscored the importance of social connection to one’s well-being. Social connection and the support we find through it have direct positive effects on health, and can also buffer some of the health-related effects of aging. The more older people participate in social relationships, the better their overall health.

Friendships are a key factor in helping people stay active and emotionally secure. Relationships with others offer supportive behavior. The experience of being supported has positive effects on health and helps one believe they are loved, esteemed, and cared for.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” in social connection, which can vary depending upon person or the situation. For example, you can connect by phone, in person, online, or in large group activities. The key is that they are positive relationships. And not all relationships need to be human relationships. Pets bring quite a few emotional and physical benefits to people as well.

Senior Centers can be a gateway to new social connections where people find a community of peers. There are a number of clubs and recreational groups at North Shore Senior Center that meet regularly, and in which members find new friendships with people who share similar interests. These member-led groups may organize around a topic, such as jazz, literature, or humanities, or an activity, such as quilting, dining, fishing, or playing cards. People also find new social relationships in our many educational classes and discussion groups. And everyone enjoys our big social events such as our concert and luncheon events.

For more information contact Lifelong Learning at North Shore Senior Center at 847-784-6030 or LifelongLearning@nssc.org or visit www.nssc.org.