
Friendship is one of life’s greatest treasures. It’s the laughter shared over a cup of coffee, the reassuring voice on the other end of the phone, or the simple joy of knowing someone cares. Beyond the feel-good moments, these connections can have a profound impact on our well-being. They help us celebrate life’s highs, navigate its lows, and, as research increasingly shows, even contribute to a longer, healthier life.
How meaningful connections can help you live longer
A lack of meaningful connections, opportunities for social engagement, and emotional support can lead to a decrease in quality of life. Social interaction plays a key part in physical, mental and emotional health. According to a poll by the American Psychiatric Association, 30% of adults feel lonely at least once a week.
Loneliness and isolation are linked to many health risks for older adults. Loneliness comes with a high risk for developing depression and anxiety, which can significantly impact daily life by making even small tasks seem impossible. Loneliness and isolation have also been found to increase the risk of developing dementia in older adults by 50%.
In addition to mental and cognitive risks, loneliness also:
- Increases risk of heart disease by 29%
- Increases the risk of stroke by 32%
- Has a similar mortality impact to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day
What are meaningful connections?
Meaningful connections are any human-to-human connections that make you feel good. These can be close, intimate relations with family and friends that provide support, care, and love and make you feel valued. They can also come from being part of a community—having fun, sharing a hobby or passion, and feeling seen.
How to build and foster meaningful connections
- Volunteer – Volunteering at The Harman Center, animal shelters, tutoring centers, or packing and delivering meals to people who need them are excellent ways to meet new people and connect. As a bonus, many volunteers report being happier and healthier than before they started volunteering.
- Explore new hobbies or join a club – Find a book club, a walking club, a class, or something specific to your hobbies and interests to help you meet people and interact with them regularly.
- Join a gym – Join a gym or exercise program and go regularly. You’ll start to see some familiar faces who could become your next friends.
- Reach out to your neighbors – Invite your neighbors over for a coffee or a game night. Taking walks together is a great way to get active and chat, and our gated community at Quail Run means streets are safe for activities. Throw a game night in our clubhouse or hop in the pool in the summer.
Source: IlluminAge