Key pointsConnection boosts Health and Longevity.
Loneliness is widespread but treatable.
Everyday actions add up.
Connecting with others has been associated with longevity and with short- and long-term positive physical and emotional health outcomes (Stern, 2025). Yet, there is an epidemic of loneliness that plagues so many individuals that clinicians may “prescribe” connection much like a medication. This practice is called social prescribing. Connection is a vital part of our lives that we often overlook.
So, what can be done? Plenty.
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Small Acts Have a Big PayoffFor starters, connecting doesn’t have to mean Investing enormous amounts of time. It can start with those in the community we see every day—the postal worker, librarian, coffee shop barista, and anyone else you see regularly. It feels great to have someone say hello, know your name, how you like your coffee. Cultivate these, and recognize the importance they hold.
Mark Epstein started a Pickleball WhatsApp chat in his town. He gathered a few numbers of people who like to play, the group grew, and each week he was playing once or twice with a group of residents he hadn’t met in the decades he’s lived in the town. Several were just a few houses away. This low-effort action led to months of playing and many new connections and friends. They Love it so much they play in winter coats and hats!
Pickleball: Deborah Heiser, Roya Shavolian, Ilona Trokel and Mark Epstein
Source: Deborah Heiser
Annual Events Are Connection GoldEach year the Rotary Club of Great Neck holds a Thanksgiving Drive, where they raise roughly $40,000 to purchase turkey dinners for 1,200 families. They buy turkeys and 10 food items to make a complete dinner for six people. Each year hundreds gather under the supervision of Roger Chizever to pack the bags, load the turkeys, and connect with the community in a feel-good intergenerational event. For Roger, who is a Rotarian for more than 25 years, this is an event he looks forward to every year. Miguel Rios, the Rotary Club of Great Neck president, says, “For me, making connections is a double impact. You help people feel better but at the same time you feel better too. It’s one of those things that grow the more you give. Being an immigrant in a totally unknown community, it helped me to get closer to my personal goals and at the same time meet good friends and help others.”
Felicia Flammia, a Great Neck Middle and High School psychologist and Interact Club advisor, had roughly 20 high school students attend. The students shared that they love to contribute in hands-on ways to their community.
Interact Club Source: Courtesy of Felicia FlammiaConnecting doesn’t have to be a year-round commitment. It can be an annual commitment, or a pick-up game, or a brief interaction with those in your community. Check out some of the opportunities for connection in your community. Here are some examples to get you started.
Where to Find Connections Near Youarticle continues after advertisement
1. Local spaces you probably pass every day
The public library—check for free talks, book clubs, and classes.
Fitness centers.​
Parks and recreation programs—look for walking groups, town clean‑ups, and sports leagues.​
Coffee shops.​
2. Service opportunities
Food pantries, soup kitchens, and community meal programs.​
Animal shelters and rescue organizations.​
Rotary Club, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce.
3. Learning, arts and interest groups
Adult Education classes and workshops.​
Local theater, music ensembles, or community choirs.​
Museums and cultural centers (become a docent).​
4. Faith and support
Faith communities (services, small groups, holiday events).​
Peer support groups and recovery groups.​
Parenting, caregiver, or Grief support groups.​
5. Neighborhood
Senior centers or nonprofits—to attend or volunteer.
Neighborhood associations and tenant organizations.​
Recreation leagues and pick‑up sports for adults and mixed‑age teams.​
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References
Stern, K. (2025). Healthy to 100: How strong social ties lead to long lives. PublicAffairs.
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Originally Published on https://deborahheiserphd.substack.com/
