EXTEND YOUR LIFE BY MAKING FRIENDS
At the Activity Center, May will be the time to lay the groundwork for some vital social programming. As I write this column, we just held our “Eight Dimensions of Wellness: Social Health” lunch and learn. While most members know social support is essential to overall health, they may not appreciate just how important it is – social isolation is the most significant predictor of both dementia and premature death. As a result, in May, our Wellness Programs will be devoted to building connections here at the Heritage Palms! Read on for more information on the significance of social connection and a list of our May Social Connection Initiatives!
The 2023 Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community tells us that social isolation is more dangerous than smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day, drinking six alcoholic drinks per day, being physically inactive, and being obese.
The report tells us, “Data across 148 studies, with an average of 7.5 years follow up, suggests that social connection increases the odds of an individual’s survival by 50%.” Furthermore, the report tells us that “a synthesis of data across 16 different longitudinal studies shows poor social relationships (social isolation, poor social support, loneliness) were associated with a 29% increase in the risk of heart disease and a 32% increase in the risk of stroke.”
So, how can we ensure we live a long, high-quality life? We can be both discriminating and intentional with our social connections. Relationships should fit our needs for structure, function, and quality.
We aim for diverse, impactful, social connections that are supportive which yield satisfying outcomes. Similarly, we would limit relationships that are unhelpful and hurtful.
Fortunately, here at Heritage Palms, our community infrastructure is rich and encourages supportive relationships with like-minded folks; visit the Lifestyle tab on the website for a complete listing of our Club and member-led activities. When choosing among the many ways to connect here at HP, here are a few questions to consider:
• What are you most passionate about? By choosing a group or initiative you are passionate about, you will have the added synergy of something you love and meeting others who share your passion.
• What do you need most? Some members have ample support and are looking for the opportunity to give to others, while others may be navigating difficult times and realize that they don’t have someone to share their thoughts and feelings with. Being unable to talk about our hardships can make them seem more powerful than they are, amplifying internal stress. While we don’t want to overshare or be indiscriminate, having someone we can confide in can go a long way toward feeling supported and connected. At the same time, well-supported and thriving members are inclined to offer support to others. Providing support is rewarding to oneself and impactful to the other. It is a powerful way to add value to community life overall.
This month, we will begin three initiatives aimed at increasing the social health of your community:
• The Lifelong Learning Club – an intellectual initiative that will begin early next year. We will solidify the details over the summer. Member champions for this initiative will be key to its success. This will be a great opportunity if you are looking for intellectual stimulation. Please reach out to me to take part in shaping the club.
• HP Walking Groups – a physical health initiative beginning on Monday, May 5. Members will gather at the Activity Center on Mondays at 8 a.m. for a 3-mile walk and on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. for a 1-mile walk.
• The Wellness Community Group – an overall Wellness Support group where members will come together weekly, hear a short 10–15-minute presentation and participate in a helpful and positive discussion surrounding the day’s topic or any other wellness-related items that are pressing to them at the time.
You’ll learn more about these programs in my Wellness Update – an email blast sent out once a month on the second full week of that month. Together, we can build these initiatives over the summer and be ready to engage our full membership as they return in the fall.
Finally, please join us at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 22 for our “Eight Dimensions of Wellness: Environmental Health” lunch and learn. The event will be held in the Palms Dining Room and includes a healthy lunch buffet. It will be a lovely time, and I hope you will join us.
