Dr. Carole Myers
Welcome to Health Connections, the show about people, health, and policy. I'm Dr. Carole Myers. Social connections matter. Connections with other people and groups are critical factor in mental and physical health. Dr. Sarah Neller of the University of Tennessee College of Nursing is here to discuss social connections with an emphasis on older adults. Welcome to Health Connections, Dr. Neller.
Dr. Sarah Neller
Thank you so much for having me today.
Please elaborate on the health benefits of being socially connected. Why does it matter?
You know, I think when people think about their health, they are often focused on things like getting more sleep or exercising, eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking water, but people don't often think about the way that they connect with other people as a vital part of their health and well-being. We know that for many people, when they are connected with others, they have reduced stress, reduced anxiety, and so we know it's helpful for their mental health, but it's also helpful for their physical health. It can reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease and dementia. Some people think that social connection is something that's nice to have, it's just an extra as part of life. But really it's very essential for our health, and it's not just important to receive social connection, but it's also important to give that to others, that you can be a key piece of someone else's health and well-being.
Are there differences related to social connections across the lifespan? If we're talking about social connections in a young adult versus an older adult or even a child.
We know that social connection matters at every age and every stage of life. Even if how we connect is changing, there are fewer shared spaces now in our communities. We have fewer places to gather together, fewer block parties in our neighborhoods, fewer community gatherings, fewer events at faith community spaces. But, we often now are able to connect through technology, which is fantastic and is a lovely way to connect with people who may live across the country from you. But, sometimes social media, in particular, can give the illusion that someone else's social life is completely put together. It's totally formed, and it looks amazing, but it's not always what it seems. And so, sometimes the best way to connect with other people is through those tried and true ways of talking to our neighbors, speaking to somebody at the grocery store, or reaching out and having a walking meeting with somebody, or going to coffee.
Let's talk about, particularly, how that changes as you get older.
As you age, sometimes it's important to be with people who are in like stages as you are. So, when you're younger, you may want to be with parents that also have young children, or parents who are raising teenagers together. But as you age, you may want to be with people who are experiencing similar health challenges as you, or who are caregiving just as you are for a spouse or a parent, or maybe going through retirement, and you're all together trying to figure out who you are in this new phase of exploration. We know that for older adults, they tend to prioritize social and emotional relationships over very casual ones, and so, as you age, you may find yourself having a smaller social circle, which is completely okay, as long as those relationships are providing depth of support and meaning in your life.
This is Dr. Carole Myers, joined today by Dr. Sarah Neller of the University of Tennessee College of Nursing. Thank you for listening to Health Connections. All past episodes are available for on-demand listening, and listeners, your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
