Since 1963, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) has led the celebration and observance of Older Americans Month (OAM) during the month of May. The 2024 Older Americans Month theme is “Powered by Connection,” which emphasizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being.

The Importance of Social Connection

According to a report published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), over one third of adults age forty-five and older feel lonely, and nearly a quarter of adults over the age of sixty are socially isolated. The CDC defines social isolation as the lack of relationships with others and little to no social support or contact. Having a healthy number and variety of different types of relationships in one’s life is incredibly important – social isolation and loneliness can contribute to a myriad of health-related issues, like anxiety, addiction, depression, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and stroke. In fact, having little to no social contact can be as detrimental to one’s health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. Additionally, those with strong social bonds report improved sleep quality and have a reduced risk of experiencing violent or suicidal behaviors.

Age Well’s Opportunities for Connection

Engaging with others is a crucial aspect of human experience and promotes health. Those with stronger social bonds have a 50% increased likelihood of survival when compared to individuals with fewer social connections. Age Well is here to help.

Age Well provides a wide range of services for older adults across northwestern Vermont, many of which offer opportunities for our clients to make connections within their communities. Older Americans Month is the perfect time to celebrate the wisdom, experience, and vitality of older Vermonters while recognizing the importance of connection in their lives. Age Well is committed to improving access to healthy meals, in-home care, and community resources designed to meet the diverse needs of our clients, their families, and caregivers. We offer a variety of services, resources, and programs to support social connection.

Below, you will see how Age Well has a host of programs that are “powered by connection.”

Try GetSetUp to learn new skills and expand your networks

Age Well has partnered with GetSetUp, an online learning channel that provides Vermont residents who are 60 and older with free access to live interactive online classes taught by older adults for older adults. This online learning channel empowers older adults to learn new skills and meet new people. GetSetUp offers a wide variety of classes on topics like budgeting, travel planning, and social media. GetSetUp also provides courses focused on more creative pursuits like dancing, baking, and drawing. You can even take virtual history lessons or trips to National Parks! Learners can choose from a catalog of over 3,000 classes that change weekly. These programs are offered at no cost and make digital learning, connection, and exploration a reality.

 To learn more about GetSetUp and enroll in your classes, visit https://www.getsetup.io/partner/vermont.

Find new ways to be social with social media

Once you are “set up” connect with Age Well and let us know how you are learning or helping others connect. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn to connect with an expanding network of Age Well supporters.

Looking for an easy exercise to help combat social isolation? The US Surgeon General has created a 5-day challenge for those looking to strengthen their relationships and incorporate connection into their lives. The “5 for 5” challenge asks participants to express gratitude, offer support, or ask for help in different areas of life over the course of five days. Find others participating in the “5 for 5” challenge by searching #MadeToConnect on social media.

Check out our Calendar of Community Events

Over the course of the year, Age Well offers an extensive calendar of engaging community events for older adults, their families, and caregivers. The calendar features information about wellness opportunities & classes, unique activities, community meals, Grab & Go Meal sites, the Restaurant Ticket program, educational opportunities, and trainings.

Get moving with a Wellness Class

We offer a number of classes and programs related to wellness. Explore these opportunities and get to know others seeking connection and structured movement.

Tai Chi Classes: Endorsed by The Arthritis Foundation and the Center for Disease Control and Injury Prevention (CDC), Age Well offers a number of Tai Chi Classes designed for individuals over the age of 60 every week.

MVP Striders: Age Well partners with MVP Health Care to offer an array of walking and strength-building classes and events, both indoors and outdoors. To register for MVP Striders Living Well Programs, visit mvphealthcare.com/calendar and enter in your zip code. You can Also find MVP events on our Calendar of Community Events.

A Matter of Balance: an in-person program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults. This program consists of eight, two-hour sessions that include a 10-minute break for the opportunity to socialize, move around and have a light refreshment if desired. Visit our website to sign up.

Looking for guidance and support regarding your mental health? Age Well can help you contact an eldercare clinician.

Counseling and Behavioral Health Support: Age Well staff and volunteers support many clients with their mental health needs, through coordinating access to mental health services, social programs, medication reconciliation assessment, and more.

Meet new friends at our Community Meal events

For those able to venture out, Age Well is proud to serve nutritious meals in over 70 gathering places and restaurants throughout northwestern Vermont through our Community Meals and Restaurant Ticket Programs. For a suggested donation amount of $5.00, take advantage of this opportunity to sit down, enjoy a meal, and stay connected to your friends and neighbors.

More than just a Meal – Meals on Wheels

Age Well delivers Meals on Wheels (MOW) throughout Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties every weekday. In addition to supplying our community with a nutritious, diverse array of meals, MOW volunteers are familiar, friendly faces that our clients can trust and regularly engage with.

Beyond delivering food, our MOW Volunteers provide our recipients with the opportunity for socialization – sometimes, a MOW volunteer is the only person a recipient interacts with all day. To ensure that the people we serve receive the care that they need, MOW Volunteers are trained to conduct safety checks upon delivery of meals.

Engage with your community and explore our volunteer opportunities

Help those around you by giving your time and impacting a life. Volunteer with Age Well and help take care of those who once took care of us. We offer numerous volunteer opportunities and trainings that make a real difference in our community. For example, you could:

• Deliver Meals on Wheels in one of our areas of high need.
• Contribute to our mission internally by providing administrative support.
• If eligible, join the AmeriCorps Senior Companion Program.
• Become a Friendly Visitor and get matched with someone in need who shares similar interests to you.
• And more!

Volunteering with a cause you care about can help you establish relationships that last a lifetime. Visit our Volunteering FAQ page for additional information on volunteering with Age Well.

For more ways to give back, visit our website: https://www.agewellvt.org/giving-back

Explore the outdoors with a Green Mountain Passport

Did you know that access to green spaces, like state parks, is an indicator of social connectedness? Vermont has an abundance of incredible State Parks that are maintained for your enjoyment. Interested in discovering State Parks near you? Apply for a Green Mountain Passport! The Green Mountain Passport program is a discount program for older adults (62 and older) and veterans that provides free admission to Vermont State Parks, Vermont State Historic sites, and events that are fully state-sponsored. To receive your Green Mountain Passport card, you must:

1. Fill out an application at your town or city clerk’s office.
2. Pay a one-time $2 fee to the municipal clerk.
3. Receive your card!

See the list of Vermont State Parks: https://www.burlingtonvt.gov/sites/default/files/f%20%20park-list-2017.pdf

Where do you find connection in your life?

Social isolation and loneliness can lead to serious health problems. In honor of Older American’s Month, Age Well encourages you to reflect on the relationships in your life. Where can you afford to strengthen your bonds? How are you powered by connection?

If you are concerned about your risk of social isolation, consider using this convenient, online assessment tool created by AARP.

If Age Well can be of support to you or someone you know, please do not hesitate to contact the Age Well Helpline: 1-800-642-5119.