Discussions on healthy aging often focus on eating right and staying active, but equally important is staying socially connected. Strong social ties improve mental health, reduce the risk of depression, ease loneliness, and even extend life.
In its “Keys to Embracing Aging” program, the University of Kansas Extension identifies twelve practices that support healthy aging. One simple but powerful key is to maintain social connections.
Making and keeping connections takes extra effort for many older adults, especially those who live alone or have limited mobility. Even so, a little effort can make a meaningful difference. Consider these ways of building and maintaining relationships:
In Wyoming, senior centers play a vital role in helping older adults stay engaged. They offer far more than a place to eat lunch.
These community hubs may host card games, bingo, fitness classes, art workshops, or guest speakers. They create a welcoming space to catch up with old friends or make new ones.
Senior centers also connect people with local resources and services. Many offer transportation and group outings as well as helping with paperwork such as Medicare forms.
Staying socially connected offers companionship, laughter, and a sense of belonging, which brings increased health and happiness at every stage of life. The “Keys to Embracing Aging” remind us that healthy living is not only about our bodies. It is also about the people we share our lives with.
Images from Alena Darmel on Pexels.com.
References & Further Reading:
In recent years, gratitude has gained attention not just as a feel-good practice but as a powerful tool for improving mental health, especially among older adults. Research supports that gratitude has the power to heal.
Staying healthy as we age goes beyond physical checkups. Mental and emotional well-being are critical to quality of life, especially for older adults who may face challenges like isolation, chronic illness, or grief.
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© March 2025
