3 minute read
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
The World Health Organization and the U.S. Surgeon General have recently focused on social health and its impact on health and well-being.
“Social isolation and loneliness are widespread, with an estimated 1 in 4 older people experiencing social isolation and between 5 and 15 percent of adolescents experiencing loneliness (WHO, Social Isolation and Loneliness).
Our collective experience of the COVID pandemic raised our awareness of the impact of social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for our health. Moreover, “research shows loneliness increases the risk of heart disease by 29%, dementia by 50%, depression by 77%, premature mortality by 29%% and diabetes by 49% (U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, 2023). Or “Being socially disconnected has a similar effect on mortality as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day” (Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General)
On the other hand, “having strong and secure relationships not only increases our happiness but also our longevity by roughly 50 percent”. ( How Social Connection Supports Longevity, Carly Smith, Stanford, 2023). We are wired as a species to connect with others and survive and thrive based on the degree of support we receive from family, friends, and the community.
If you wish to strengthen your social connections and increase your sense of belonging, health, and well-being, there are many opportunities to build bonds of friendship and support.
We have multiple clubs based on shared interests that host events and shared experiences that further enhance social connections and bonds. (www.DobsonRanchHOA.com)
These Clubs offer many choices and forums for fostering social connections. Some are also focused on providing fun, sports, and wellness activities like Pickleball, Line Dancing, Cycling, hiking, etc. The Retiree’s Club continues to have strong participation, fellowship, and monthly activities. The Community Club has sponsored many events, including Coffee with Neighbors, significantly increasing community participation.
In addition to the Clubs, there are many activities and wellness classes, including water aerobics, dance, tennis, bunco, bridge, etc. Becky and Chuck have led Water Aerobics for years to create and sustain social connections and friendships. I am deeply grateful to the Leaders, Volunteers, Staff, and members of all our Clubs and Activities for providing opportunities to build and sustain social connections and health.
I welcome and encourage your creativity and initiative to expand our Clubs and Activities further. We are a diverse, inclusive community that can benefit from your talent, skills, energy, and advocacy.
Together, we can build on these initiatives to be the Community of Choice in the Valley of the Sun.
