Benefits of social activity

Social activity is good for a person regardless of who you are, where you live or how old you are. Social connectedness can include people you look forward to seeing, people you have something in common with and people you trust, such as family, friends and co-workers or other people you interact with; other examples are your health care provider, banker and store clerk. Quality relationships help to provide ongoing joy, support, love and purpose, and maintaining these relationships can play an important role in the benefits of social activity. Social connectedness can also include activities in your community or in your home and there are several ways to get connected.

Join a community center, club or committee; organize a get-together with friends, family and neighbors; go to a movie, sporting event or festival; travel; eat out; volunteer; take educational or hobby courses; plug into technology.

Being socially active doesn't always mean you have to leave your home. It is easy to stay connected with those far and near through technology. Common avenues that are being used today are Facebook, Instagram, text messaging and video messaging. Of course the telephone, email and the "old fashioned" letter writing and card sending are still good ways to stay connected if you are not plugged in to the latest technology. Medical services are even available online. These include tele-medicine, -nursing and -therapy that allow health care professionals to check on you and remind you of your health care needs while you are at home.

It can be a challenge to be socially active when you don't want to be, so it is important to know your own personality and social preferences. For some, engaging in social activity can be energizing, while others prefer more quiet time. You may also struggle with social activity because you are depressed. Being depressed may make you feel like you want to be alone, but social isolation can actually make depression worse. To help ease symptoms of depression, even though it may be difficult, seek out social interaction, even if it is with one person, such as one-on-one interaction with a close friend, family member or a therapist.

There are several benefits to being socially active, including: improved social skills; improved academic performance; positive attitude; enhanced self-esteem; connection to peers, groups and your community; reduced risk of illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease and dementias; reduced risk for mental disorders, such as depression; better brain health; overall happier and healthier lifestyle.

It is important for people of all ages to reflect on things that matter the most to them and to decide if their time and energy are being balanced properly. It is also important to recognize that meaningful social activity will be different for everyone and that this can change throughout your lifespan as you experience various life transitions, such as losses. Let relationships and social activities help you with your life's transitions.

For more information on Keys to Embracing Aging, contact the Garland County Extension Office at 623-6841 or 922-4703, email Jessica at [email protected], or visit our website.

EHC

Interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information, call 623-6841 or 922-4703 or email [email protected].

Master Gardeners

If interested in becoming a Master Gardener and would like information, the public is welcome to the monthly meeting at 1 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge; call the Extension office; or email [email protected].

4-H

There are 4-H clubs for Garland County youths 5 to 19 years old. For information, call the Extension Office or email Linda Bates at [email protected].