The concept of being connected with
your family, friends and neighbourhood
is most likely not new to you. We strive
to achieve a sense of community all our
lives, so why do so many people fear
that the years ahead will be lonely?
If you’ve always lived a connected
lifestyle, there is no reason for that to
change. In 2010, the Oce on Women’s
Health (USA) found that social support
(remaining actively connected with
family, friends and your community) will
help to ward o any feelings of social
isolation that could creep in.
According to the Oce on Women’s
Health website, “Keeping up with
friendships and social connections ¢ and
making new ones – is important to your
quality of life and overall well-being.
“Participating in social or productive
activities that you enjoy may also help
maintain your well-being. For instance,
older adults who participate in activities
they §nd meaningful, like volunteering,
report feeling healthier and happier.”
LIFE AS YOU KNOW IT MAY CHANGE, BUT ONE THING WILL
ALWAYS REMAIN THE SAME: BEING A PART OF SOMETHING
GREATER THAN YOU ¢ A COMMUNITY ¢ MAKES THE
JOURNEY ALL THE MORE FUN.
By Elle Raison, Journalist
In addition to making your life more
enjoyable, being an active part of
a community is great for your health,
particularly your state of mind. If you
don’t have strong existing connections
with your family, friends and community,
getting started may be easier than you
could imagine.
If you’re blessed with grandkids, try
engaging with them even more than
you already do (for ideas, see page 16).
When it comes to creating a community
in your own neighbourhood, choose
a retirement village that suits your needs
and where you know you’ll §nd people
with similar interests and hobbies
(see page 24 for a run-down).
Connect with like-minded people by
joining an activity group, sporting team
or social club, like Barry Tennant of
Eaglemount Resort, Mackay has
(see next story).
“KEEPING UP WITH FRIENDSHIPS
AND SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND
MAKING NEW ONES IS IMPORTANT
TO YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE AND
OVERALL WELL BEING.”
Better together
BEING CONNECTED
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