Faith Regional Health Services | living WELL | Fall 2019

12 FAITH REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICES Make a difference! Volunteering is one way to meet people and stay social. Call 402-644-7529 or visit frhs.org/job-opportunities/ volunteer-opportunities to learn more about volunteering at Faith Regional. Rx for aging well: Stay social FRIENDS CAN BE GOOD for your health. You know that getting regular exercise, eating nutritious foods and not smoking are all good for your body. But did you know that having an active social life can help you stay physically and men- tally healthy, too, as you age? Taking part in social activities has been shown to: •  Lower the risk for certain diseases. •  Increase lifespan. •  Increase happiness and reduce depression. •  Improve your thinking abilities. What you can do If you don’t have much of a social network, it’s never too late to build one. Take a class. Many community colleges offer free or low-cost classes for older adults. You never know who you’ll meet in a cooking, painting or computer class. Indulge in a hobby. Are you a bird watcher? Do you knit? There may be local groups already formed that focus on your hobby. Visit a senior center. Meet people who like to play cards or other games. Form your own club. Organize a book or movie club that meets regularly. Hold dis- cussions at a local coffee shop or other venue where you might meet more people. Sources: Health in Aging Foundation; National Institute on Aging