Social Connections

In our later years, strong social connections are not just a pleasant bonus—they’re a cornerstone of healthy, vibrant living. Research consistently shows that staying socially engaged can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, boost mental sharpness, improve mental health, lower the risk of depression, reduce anxiety, protect against cognitive decline, support heart health, and even help seniors live longer, more independent lives. Higher social engagement is linked to greater use of annual health check-ups and preventive services. Social networks can also facilitate health information sharing and motivation to seek care.

Whether through family visits, community activities, Brookletts Place's programs, or new friendships, nurturing these bonds brings joy, purpose, and resilience to everyday life.

In addition to taking advantage of your member benefits and participating in events and activities at Brookletts Place, below are additional resources to help you make and maintain those meaningful connections that truly enrich your senior years.

What Does Social Connectedness Look Like?

The U.S. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) shares that "social connectedness" is:

Finding and participating in things you enjoy doing with others, such as gardening, faith-based activities
Meaningful relationships with others
Consistent, positive interactions with others
Supportive relationships where you feel valued and cared for
Emotional support during difficult times and physical support, like running errands or a ride to an appointment

Transportation to Make It Easier to Connect with Others

Access to transportation, public parks, and community-based organizations makes it easier to connect with others. Visit Brookletts Place's Transportation page to learn about available options to help you "get from Point A to Point B."

Ways to Improve Social Connectedness

Below are several ways, listed in alphabetical order by topic, to improve your social connectedness.

AARP

AARP Foundation's Connect 2 Affect offers eight ways to build social connections.
Visit the AARP Local directory. Enter your zip code and learn about in-person and online opportunities, events, and enriching experiences to improve your social connectedness.
Senior Planet brings older adults together to learn, work, create, exercise, and thrive in today’s digital age. Senior Planet programs are designed around five impact areas: financial security, social engagement, creative expression, health and wellness, and civic participation. All five areas represent opportunities in the lives of older adults where technology can have a transformative effect.
Senior Planet Community allows you to join interest groups, meet like-minded individuals, and engage in thought-provoking discussions.

BROOKLETTS PLACE-TALBOT SENIOR CENTER

Becoming a member of and participating in the many events, programs, and classes at Brookletts Place is a fantastic way to improve your social connectedness. Browse the website to learn all that awaits you!

MARYLAND SENIOR CALL CHECK & SOCIAL CONNECTIONS

Senior Call Check and Social Connections is a free service for Maryland residents 60 and older, providing an additional layer of comfort for older adults who live alone and their families.

AUTOMATED calls or text messages are sent DAILY between 8 am and 4 pm, at the hour of the participant's choosing, and the participant is prompted to respond. If there is no response, two more automated calls or texts are made before an alternate contact is notified. If Senior Call Check is unable to reach an alternate, non-emergency service providers are contacted and asked to conduct a welfare check.
LIVE check-ins are an additional WEEKLY service to the daily automated check-ins. Calls from a live, trained representative can provide additional support and social connection for those who need it.
Enroll in Senior Call Check and Social Connections here.
Should a Senior Call Check result in learning of an emergency, ensure that you have prepared in advance by completing and submitting both an Emergency Information Form and a Medical Information Form to the Talbot County Department of Emergency Services.

MEALS ON WHEELS

The Meals on Wheels program delivers home-cooked, nutritionally balanced meals to eligible seniors aged 60 and older who are homebound.
In addition to delivering nutritious meals, volunteers frequently provide much-needed human connection, a smile, and safety checks.
Click here to learn more about the Brookletts Place Meals on Wheels program.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Since 2003, StoryCorps has built the largest collection of human voices ever archived — and they want to add yours. StoryCorps' mission is to build connections, encourage compassion between people, and share stories, big and small.
Learn more about the process here, then submit your request for a virtual conversation.

VIRTUAL SENIOR CENTER (VSC)

VSC is supported by the New York State Office for the Aging.
VSC welcomes those who do not live in New York to join this vibrant online community for $129.99/year. Membership lets you connect with new friends, learn new skills, and enjoy live classes on a desktop, laptop, or tablet.
To join, call (718) 559-4370, where a team member will guide you through the registration process over the phone. VSC's dedicated IT support team will then create your account and show you exactly how to log in. they will even walk you through joining your very first class to make sure you feel comfortable and confident.

WARMLINES

Warmlines are FREE phone, chat, or text lines that offer empathetic listening and peer support to those who are distressed, lonely, or seeking validation from someone with lived experience. They provide a confidential, non-judgmental space for connection and self-exploration. Think of a warmline as the number to call when you want to reach out to a loved one—but that’s not always possible.
Warmlines offer a judgment-free space to discuss emotions, get support, and connect to resources. Studies show people feel less distressed and more empowered after reaching out.
Consider contacting one of the following warmlines:
- Pro Bono Counseling WARMLine: Free, confidential, and anonymous. No commitment is required when you call the WARMLine, and you may call as often as you need. You will not be asked about your income, insurance status, or immigration status. Mental health professionals are available weekdays from 10:00 am to 8 pm. Call (410) 598-0234 to speak with a caring call specialist who will listen to your needs and will refer you to any additional resources you may need.
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maryland Warmline is free to contact for information, support, and referrals for mental health topics, support groups, and navigating the system (not therapy, medical advice, or crisis services). Call (877) 878-2371.

WELL CONNECTED

Front Porch is a virtual community where you can explore, laugh, learn, and share experiences, building caring friendships along the way. Well Connected is available 365 days a year, free for participants 60 and up. Click here to learn more, email WC@frontporch.net, or call (877) 797-7299.

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering is a wonderful way to stay connected, use your skills, and give back to the community.
Talbot County is rich with nonprofits that welcome volunteers—and many post current openings right on their websites. Whether you want to share local history, support neighbors facing hardship, help at a museum, or give time in other ways that fit your schedule and interests, there are plenty of options close to home.
In addition to viewing Brookletts Place's available volunteer opportunities, a few organizations that regularly list volunteer positions include (listed in alphabetical order):