Find ways to connect with old and new friends this July

For the last two years, we've used our July posts to focus on ways for seniors to stay mentally sharp and socially active despite pandemic-era social distancing requirements and restrictions.

This year we are excited to offer recommendations for mental and social activities that get our senior loved ones back out into their communities and in regular contact with their families, neighbors and friends.

Even before COVID-19, loneliness was a growing concern for older Americans, associated with numerous mental, emotional and physical health conditions and issues. Research published by the National Institutes of Health tells us that loneliness increases the incidence of depression, diabetes, suicide and clinical dementia by 64% — and the likelihood of mortality by 26%.

Let's shake off the cobwebs and find ways to connect with old and new friends this July!

If you click on the link below, you'll find a terrific resource from Texas Health and Human Services — the Age Well Live Well: Be Connected community engagement site.

Set up to help both seniors and the younger people in their lives find opportunities for social engagement together, this valuable site offers resources and links for a huge variety of events and activities. Start your journey from the site with a link to the AARP isolation self-assessment test, then move on to the Know Your Neighbor campaign, which is turning blocks of isolated homes into real neighborhoods. Continue further to seek out neighborhood associations and civic clubs, find opportunities for local continuing education, join nearby hobbyist communities, start a volunteer program, or find like-minded friends gathering to support issues of local concern. You can also access free training opportunities from the Texas HHS Learning Portal, or seek spiritual fulfillment in one of our region's many faith-based communities.

We highly recommend checking out this valuable site from Texas Health and Human Services, and then getting your older loved ones out of the house to connect with some of the great folks right down the street in their own communities.

If you are concerned that your senior loved ones have not recovered from pandemic-era social isolation, but you’re also worried about mobility issues, driving and safety outside the home, please call Overture Home Care 24/7 at (817) 887-9401. Our compassionate caregivers can help your older loved ones reclaim their active social lives, while providing your family with peace of mind.