Friendships represent an important pillar of health. Social connections minimize the effects of stress, and people with strong perceptions of belonging are 2.6 times more likely to report good or excellent health. Dr. Jody Rawles, a psychiatrist at UC Irvine who specializes in these matters, shares strategies on improving social engagement at any age.
How do you recommend people address physical and mental health?
Group exercise does everything. Running clubs, cycling clubs, yoga and Pilates are great workouts, and there’s no pressure to socialize because you’re engaged in an activity. At the same time, there’s opportunity for informal socialization before and afterward. Grab coffee together after class.
What about for people who are less active?
Churches, synagogues or senior community centers are great places to build community. Most senior centers offer classes like chair yoga for mobility issues. Zoom and FaceTime also allow people to connect and feel less isolated.
What do you advise for building community?
Always be making friends. We lose opportunities to make new friends after 50. Life circumstances often change in later years. If you don’t have a means for making new friends, you might find yourself with fewer social connections when you’re older.
Do you have specific ideas for this?
During the pandemic, I started a Wednesday night supper club with my neighbors. Four couples, all within walking distance, take turns cooking. Whatever you’re cooking, cook a little more. We keep it informal, and everyone leaves by 8 p.m.
Any other suggestions?
Make multigenerational friends. Those friendships are often overlooked, and they’re important. Do more things with your neighbors. Mentor the youth and help the old.
