Social Connectedness
We all know intuitively that having healthy relationships with others is important overall well-being. However, over the last several years, more attention has been paid to social isolation as a health problem. Being socially isolated is as detrimental to one’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day! But not everyone who is socially isolated is lonely and not everyone experiencing loneliness is socially isolated. A person can be in a crowd of people as still feel lonely. That’s why social connectedness is at the core of Oasis.
Many Oasis locations have specific programs that offer opportunities for people to get together and discuss something specific; a perfect way to feel connected to others.
Conversations that Count
This program assembles on a regular basis, some several times per week and some once a month. It can be experienced in-person or via phone. All sessions are led by a trained facilitator. These guided conversations are on certain topics that can include transitions experienced by older adults, or may be just for fun. The most important outcome of the program is that participants are connect with one another.
Oasis locations have other kinds of discussion groups or round table discussions. Some are focused around current event, politics, book clubs.
Find Conversations that Count and/or Round Table Discussion groups in your city!