Why Social Connection Matters

By Donna Baillie, Methow At Home Education & Social Connections Manager

I feel so lucky to be able to say, I love my job! It has given me a meaningful connection to this community in so many ways. As someone who is new to the valley, working for Methow At Home has introduced me to so many people who share a love for this special place. The beauty of the valley is what draws many of us here, but the sense of community and the opportunities for connection are what truly make it feel like home.

This month, we're sharing information about the importance of social connection and the role it plays in our overall health. Research tells us that feeling connected to others is just as important to our well-being as regular exercise or eating a healthy diet. Just as we pay attention to eating our vegetables and drinking enough water, it's worth checking in with ourselves and asking, How connected do I feel?

Social Connection & Aging

Being the Social Connections Manager is certainly a fun job title, but it's about much more than fun. Social connection is an essential part of healthy aging. I'm naturally a social person and enjoy being around people, but I know that's not the same for everyone. Some of us thrive with a full calendar of activities, while others prefer a slower pace or a meaningful one-on-one conversation. There isn't one "right" way to connect. What matters is recognizing that connection looks different for each of us—and that it is vital to our health and well-being.

If you're feeling isolated or lonely, I encourage you to be proactive. Reaching out isn't always easy, but it can make all the difference. We want you to know that Methow At Home is here for you.

Something for Everyone

One of my goals is to offer a wide variety of activities that appeal to different interests. I am incredibly grateful to the amazing volunteers who generously share their passions with our community—whether it's gardening, music, cooking, the outdoors, exercise, technology, or games. I hope you've joined us for an activity at some point, and if you haven't, I encourage you to give something a try. Invite a friend, or come on your own and be open to meeting someone new. Saying "yes" to an experience you're unsure about might turn out to be one of the best things that ever happened to you—or maybe just the best thing that happened that week. Either way, it's a win.

One of my favorite parts of this job is watching connections happen every day. People gather around a shared interest, a memory from the past, or something new they're excited to learn. Friendships begin, conversations unfold, and people leave feeling a little more connected than when they arrived. We see our programs bringing people together in meaningful ways, even if that's sometimes difficult to measure.

Are you affected by social isolation?

If you're curious about your own level of social connection, take this brief self-assessment created by AARP's Connect2Affect program: https://connect2affect.org/assessment/