Taken from The National Association of Agencies on Aging...

As we age, circumstances in our lives often change. We retire from a job, friends move away or health issues convince us eliminate or restrict driving. When changes like these occur, we may not fully realize how they will affect our ability to stay connected and engaged and how much they can impact our overall health and well-being.

We need social connection to thrive...no matter our age...but recent research shows that the negative health consequences of chronic isolation and loneliness my be especially harmful for older adults.

The good news is that with greater awareness, we can take steps to maintain and strengthen our ties to family and friends, expand our social circles and become more involved in the community around us.

Sometimes it takes effort to stay connected. You may have noticed that your social engagements have decreased or that you have gone days or weeks without speaking to or interacting with others.

It never hurts to take stock of our network of activities and friends and to evaluate what you can do to make more connections.

Here are some actions you may want to consider taking to help you stay ahead of the 'connection curve:'

*Nurture and strengthen existing relationships; invite people over for coffee or call them to suggest a trip to a museum or to see a movie.
* Schedule a time each day to call a friend or visit someone.
* Meet your neighbors...young and old.
* Don't let being a non-driver stop you from staying active. Find out about your t***sportation options.
* Use social media like Facebook to stay in touch with long-distance friends or write an old-fashioned letter.
* Stay physically active and include group exercise in the mix, like joining a walking club.
* Take a class to learn something new and, at the same time, expand your circle of friends.
* Revisit an old hobby you've set aside and connect with others who share your interests.
* Volunteer to deepen your sense of purpose and help others.
* Visit your local community well-ness or senior center and become involved in a wide range of interesting programs.
* Check our faith-based organizations for spiritual engagement, as well as to participate in activities and events.
* Get involved in your community by taking on a cause, such as making your community more age-friendly.