Why Staying Connected Matters

Research shows that feeling socially connected and supported is key to overall brain health and wellness - regardless of age!

Did you know?

Social time with others can improve mood and reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Social connection also improves your brain performance and memory, lowering your risk of developing dementia later in life.

Having someone you can confide in reduces your risk of stress-related illnesses in the long term.

Ideas to get started!

• Keep it small and simple. For example, call a friend for coffee, or go for a walk together.

• Get to know an acquaintance a little better. There are people we cross paths with regularly but don’t know very well. Invite this person for tea and ask them about their day.

• Challenge yourself to say “yes!”. Be courageous to say yes if invited out somewhere - be it a book club, a dance or a game night.

• Be curious and try a new hobby or join a group. Can you find social opportunities related to the activities you already love?

Set a goal!

Set a small, doable social connection goal. Remember, the more specific, measurable and realistic your goal is - the more likely you will succeed!