The Importance of Community and How to Build It

Summertime brings longer days and warmer weather; it is one of the best seasons of the year to be in the company of others. There are many activities to enjoy during this time of year: walking, swimming, hiking, biking, gardening, traveling, festivals, weddings, graduation parties and more. These activities are often best enjoyed in the company of others, whether that be with neighbors, friends or a local community organization. 

Why community matters for healthy aging

Many older adults know it is important to be present in community with one another. Staying connected and active helps you stay sharper, healthier and independent longer. Life is also easier when we have people looking out for us. Community isn’t about being busy. It’s about having people you recognize, trust and enjoy spending time with, even in small ways, and it can be as simple as knowing someone will check in if they haven’t seen you.

Why building community can be challenging

Yet in today’s fast-paced, digitally-oriented world with many distractions, it can be challenging to make true connections and find the time to cultivate community. About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. report feeling lonely, and about 1 in 4 adults report not having social and emotional support.¹

While it’s normal for community to change through the different seasons of life, and it takes effort to build new connections, small steps towards cultivating community can pay 
huge dividends.

Simple ways to build and strengthen community

There are many ways to build community in a way that fits with what you enjoy:

• Check out One Pass^®, our health plan’s fitness membership, which helps you gain access to thousands of gyms across the country, as well as Grouper, a social tool which connects you to others nearby to stay active together.
• Try some “drop-in” activities first, rather than long-term commitments, to see if you like them. You can come once to try it out and see how it feels with no pressure to keep coming. Try a local class at your local library or sign up for a single session of an exercise class at your local gym. Some communities also have walking groups that are open-invitation and attendees are free to join as they are able.
• Start with a shared interest. Engage with others around a common purpose or enjoyment, such as book clubs, craft circles, walking or hiking groups, yoga or Pilates meet-ups, volunteering, history talks or movie clubs.
• Consider inviting someone to come with you. People tend to respond better to personal invitations and are often waiting for someone to invite them. If you’re part of a group already, ask current participants to bring someone new. Pair newcomers with someone who is friendly and good at making connections. Ask someone to come along with you, even for something simple, like going on a walk. One familiar face often makes a huge difference.
• Find somewhere your skills and expertise would be valued. Community often grows when we feel needed and useful. Consider offering your skills in baking, cooking or hosting to a weekly dinner group. If you’re handy, offer your services to help fix or repair something for a neighbor in need. If you love to read and are good at facilitating discussion, lead a book club. Share your wisdom, stories and experience with younger people and become a mentor.

Using technology to stay connected (without replacing real connection)

Use technology wisely for your social interactions. While social media has been very useful in keeping up with friends, family, colleagues and others from around the world, it’s important to remember that nothing can replace face-to-face interaction and conversation. 

Use social media to engage meaningfully with others but remember to send your loved ones a message and invite them to coffee, dinner or a game night. If you can’t meet in person easily, try to call them and hear their voice or video call to see their face. Also, remember to check in on those you haven’t heard from or seen in a while; even a simple “Hi, I’ve missed you” can go a long way. 

Take the first step toward connection today

Community isn’t about always having a full social schedule or even being outgoing by nature. Rather, it’s about not being alone, having people who recognize you and feeling like you belong. Even finding a small community of just a handful of people can make a huge difference for your physical, mental and social well-being; start looking for ways to engage today.

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¹Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness | Social Connection | CDC