Powered by Connection: Older Americans Month

May 30, 2024 / Get Well

As May draws to a close, NOVA’s Office of Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) wants to remind you of another important health awareness month: Older Americans Month. President Biden made it official by calling “upon all Americans to celebrate older adults for their contributions, to support their independence and recognize their unparalleled value to our nation.”

Every year, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). This year’s theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and wellbeing.

The need to connect is universal. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy lists social connection as one of his priorities and discusses its healing benefits. The National Institutes of Health reminds us that “Our connection to others enables us to survive and thrive.” Humans are largely social creatures, so let’s carry the spirit of Older Americans Month into the next by increasing and improving our social connections. Reach out to someone today. Such random acts of kindness count — and make a real difference for you and for others!

Here are some tips to enhance your social connections:

  • Any healthy connection starts with you. Take care of yourself and your wellbeing. That includes getting enough exercise, sleeping, eating healthily and engaging in activities you enjoy.
  • Consider volunteering. It provides a mission and the feeling of making a difference. It also boosts mood, wellbeing and cognitive functioning.
  • Be intentional about making the time. Find a moment every day to make an authentic connection. That could be in person or with a phone call or Zoom meeting.
  • Use technology. You might use Zoom, video chats or even FaceTime. If technology is an obstacle, find some in-person help for effectively using emails and social media.
  • If you can care for a four-legged friend, adopt a pet. In addition to being good company, pets are known to lower stress and blood pressure.
  • Stay physically active together. Consider joining a walking group, playing pickleball or working out with a friend. Invite friends, family and neighbors to join you in “Moving Your Way” during this season of outdoor opportunities. Here are a few suggestions that may fit your personal interests, abilities and budget.
  • Take the initiative to find “your people.” Join a faith-based organization or a social club based on your personal interests — groups that typically welcome new members with open arms. Whatever you decide, take the initiative to find your community. 

Spend quality time with older adults in your life and share resources for connecting and engaging. Below are some examples of helpful local and national resources:

Take advantage of the transformative powers of social connection. 

Photograph of three older women wearing athletic clothing while smiling outside. Below photo, in white text against green background: "Older Americans Month"

Submitted by: 
Dahlia Henry-Tett, Chief Wellness Officer (CWO), employeewellbeing@nvcc.edu