Great reasons to connect with friends

Socializing can provide many benefits to your physical and mental health. According to recent research:

• Connecting with friends may also boost your brain health and lower your risk of dementia.
• People who regularly connect with others generally perform better on tests of memory and other cognitive skills.
• In the long run, people with active social lives are less likely to develop dementia than those who are more socially isolated.
• People with more social support also tend to live longer, and this is true even after accounting for overall health.
• Social engagement is associated with a stronger immune system, especially for older adults. This means you are better able to fight off colds, the flu and even some types of cancer.
• Interacting with others boosts feelings of well-being and decreases feelings of depression.

Ways to boost your social engagement: 

• Sign up for activities at your local recreation center, library or event center.
• Join a choir or musical group.
• Volunteer at your favorite charity organization.
• Visit a museum with a friend and chat about what you see.
• Participate in a neighborhood or community group.
• Play a group sport like lawn bowling, golf or croquet.
• Have a friend or family member over for coffee or tea.
• Play cards or board games with others.
• Exercise with a friend by walking, swimming or going to the gym together.
• Take a class to meet new friends.

VA Pittsburgh's Recreation Services offers many opportunities for connecting with fellow Veterans and the community. Contact Marlena Regus at 412-360-3756 for scheduled events.