The Power of Community

By Julie Petelle, Wellness Coordinator, Crystal Home Health

When was the last time you thought about the power of community? Despite society’s emphasis on individualism, the concept of community continues to be a powerful force for personal and collective well-being. Adults that are more socially connected are healthier and live longer. In fact, there’s been numerous studies that show that the quality and quantity of social relationships and being part of a community affect mental, physical, and behavioral health.

Loneliness can be detrimental to both mental and physical health and is comparable to smoking or obesity in terms of risk factors. In older adults, isolation is associated with an increased probability of dementia. That’s why more and more health professionals are making loneliness screening a routine part of health care and prescribing social activities such as museum visits, classes, and group outings to counter the effects of loneliness and isolation.

Involvement in social relationships benefits all aspects of health for both women and men. Social ties reduce mortality risk among adults with medical conditions, including coronary artery disease, impaired immune function, high blood pressure, delayed cancer recovery, slower wound healing, inflammatory and mobility issues, and anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms.

There are so many ways to connect and tap into the power of community. Family is frequently touted as a person’s first community, spanning generations and keeping people connected. Coming together around shared beliefs or devotional practices is another way to tap into the power of community. Doing volunteer work and mingling with others that share similar beliefs with you is yet another great example. Going to group activities or exercise classes connects you with others and releases happy hormones that will stay with you long after the activity is over. All of these are examples of tapping into community and reaping the benefits to counter loneliness and depression.

If you’re feeling lonely or isolated and are concerned about your physical and mental health, contacting your doctor for a quick depression screening can be the first step to addressing your concerns. Talking to a skilled professional such as a behavioral health nurse will help you to develop strategies to counter your loneliness and tap into the power of community. A home health nurse trained to help people experiencing depression or loneliness can come to your home and give you the tools you need to reconnect with your community. And it will be covered by your Medicare insurance, providing peace of mind without a large out of pocket cost.

If you would like more information about countering loneliness and depression and re-engaging with your community, please feel free to stop by my office in the Wellness Center Monday-Thursday 9 am – 4 pm and Friday 9 am – 12 pm, or by phone at 312-513-4919. I am also available every Wednesday from 1:00-2:00 for blood pressure/vitals.