Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Alongside the discussion of mental health is the very critical concept of social wellness. According to the University of New Hampshire, social wellness is the concept of having positive connections with friends, family, and anyone else in your life. Consistent social wellness helps to combat isolation, loneliness, and mental illness while also improving well-being and the longevity of life. From the day we are born, relationships with others help us to build support networks, express ourselves, and exercise a sense of belonging within different communities. Therefore, our social connections are a vital part of how we navigate this world.
The relationships we have and the way we interact with others has shifted because of the pandemic. Face-to-face communications pivoted to online, virtual, and no-contact methods. According to current CDC guidelines, the fully vaccinated population can now begin to resume their pre-pandemic activities without the concerns of masks or social distancing. However, the decision to return to activities is dependent on personal preference and comfortability. As the world once again gains a sense of “normalcy,” safely and comfortably re-engaging with others can bring up mixed emotions, from relief and excitement to concern or even anxiety. We’re all out of practice after all!
The following are a few suggestions from Kaiser Health News that outline some things older adults can do to adjust to life post-pandemic:
- Start simple and slow, then gradually build up
- Be physically active
- Reestablish old routines, habits, and hobbies
- Volunteer
Regardless of how you choose to engage socially, whether virtually, in-person or a combination of both, maintaining social connectedness is of vital importance, as it reduces loneliness and isolation. The following resources offer a variety of in-person and virtual options to increase our social connections and improve our social wellness. Why not check some out today?
Resources for Friendship and Engagement
Resources for Virtual Activities:
Resources for Social Wellness:
The following activities can help older adults re-engage in their communities. For more information, please click on the link or call AgeGuide at (630)-293-5990
Resources for In-Person Activities:
