by Cynthia Germain
At Do Good Door County, we believe in the power of connection. Through our various programs and initiatives, we’ve seen firsthand how vital social health is to living a longer, healthier, and happier life. This belief is reinforced by the work we’re doing as part of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant, where we’ve been encouraged to join the Commit to Connect network. This network is dedicated to addressing isolation and loneliness, particularly among older adults, aligning perfectly with our mission.
As we delve deeper into this important issue, we want to share with you a book that was recommended by the Commit to Connect network and resonated with us: “The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health Is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier” by Kasley Killam. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the critical role that social health plays in overall well-being.
Kasley Killam, a social health expert, speaks to the importance of nurturing our connections with others. In her book, she explores the intersection of social relationships and health, offering insights into why social health has often been overlooked in discussions about longevity and wellness. In a recent talk, Kasley Killam spoke about how to navigate loneliness—a challenge many older adults face. She highlights practical strategies for building meaningful connections, even in the face of social barriers. You can watch her video here – https://youtu.be/DC9-StcwNFU?si=gqJrmv-t_ie_p7uQ.
Our Vitality in Aging project, funded by the DHS grant, aims to enhance the social, physical, and nutritional health of older adults through daily activity logs and weekly educational materials. The program’s design echoes many of the themes found in Killam’s book, particularly the emphasis on maintaining social connections as a cornerstone of health.
We’re also thrilled to share our own video here, https://youtu.be/JwwjcAyYcfU, which captures the essence of what we’re doing in Door County to promote social health as we kick off the Vitality in Aging program. This video showcases the journey of the Aging Coalition of Door County and its members important work to serve the older adults of our community.
As we continue to build on our efforts, we invite you to read “The Art and Science of Connection” and reflect on how you can enhance your social health. Whether it’s reaching out to an old friend, joining a community group, or participating in one of our programs, there are countless ways to strengthen your connections and improve your well-being.
Together, we can make Door County a place where everyone feels connected, supported, and valued. Let’s commit to making social health a priority in our lives, as Kasley Killam reminds us, it’s the missing key to living longer, healthier, and happier.
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us!