Health & Wellness Resources for Women 65+

Social Well-Being & Healthy Relationships for Women 65+

Strong social connections are more than just enjoyable — they can protect your heart, brain, and overall health as you age.

Why Social Well-Being Matters for Women

Many women 65+ spend much of their time caring for others, whether it’s spouses, grandchildren, or aging parents, and may forget to take time for themselves or struggle to find opportunities to socialize. Women also tend to live longer than men, which means they are more likely to live alone. So why does socializing matter so much?

In a study of over 57,000 post‑menopausal women, those with high social isolation had an 8% higher risk of heart disease, and high loneliness added a 5% higher risk. Women experiencing both had up to a 27% greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

About one in three older adults report feeling lonely or lacking companionship, highlighting how common social isolation is among older people.

Around 24% of adults age 65 and older are considered socially isolated, which can affect both physical and mental health.

Because women 65+ are already at higher risk for heart disease and depression than men, staying connected is especially important. Yet health, mobility, transportation, and other barriers can make social interaction more difficult.

Barriers to Social Connection

Many women face challenges that make staying connected harder as they age:

Mobility or physical limitations can make leaving the home difficult.

Chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or vision/hearing loss may limit social activities.

Mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or memory concerns can make socializing stressful.

Transportation issues like lack of public transit, driving concerns, or distance from friends/family.

Loss of a spouse, partner, or close friends reduces natural social contacts.

Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward finding ways to stay socially active and supported.

How Strong Social Relationships Help Your Health

01 Protects Your Brain & Memory

Loneliness and social isolation speed up memory and thinking decline, and research shows that older adults who stay socially inactive have higher risk of cognitive decline. Staying engaged through conversation, storytelling, and problem-solving keeps the brain active and strong.

02 Helps Your Physical Health

Meaningful social ties help protect your physical health by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and strengthening your immune system through healthier hormone levels—and studies show that seniors with strong social networks have a much lower risk of dying over a five-year period than those who are socially isolated.

03 Boosts Mood & Emotional Well-Being

Social support can reduce depression and anxiety, strengthen your sense of purpose, and increase overall happiness, with older adults who stay connected or live with family reporting the highest life satisfaction.

Understanding what makes a relationship healthy can help you enjoy these benefits and build stronger connections.

How to Strengthen Relationships & Improve Social-Well Being

Even with health, mobility, or other challenges, there are simple ways to build and maintain meaningful relationships that support your well-being.

Join a local group or class

Check out your local community center, library programs, or faith-based groups to meet people and try new activities.

Check in with friends or family regularly

Phone calls, texts, or video chats (Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp) help maintain connections even from home.

Volunteer in your community

Use Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s volunteer matching tool to find opportunities that fit your schedule and interests. Some volunteer roles can even be done by phone, giving you a way to connect and help others from home.

Reconnect with old friends or neighbors

Sending a note, calling, or arranging a casual coffee or walk can rekindle relationships.

Use technology to join online groups

Consider virtual book clubs or hobby groups. Many community centers offer online programming.

Try accessible activities

Participate in chair yoga, small walking groups, online classes, or virtual discussion groups to stay active and connected. Many women on Medicare Advantage plans can access Silver Sneakers for free, which offers both in-person classes at select gyms and virtual options you can do from home.

What Is a Healthy Relationship?

Healthy relationships include several key features:

Mutual Respect

Valuing each other’s feelings and opinions.

Trust & Honesty

Feeling safe sharing thoughts and concerns.

Good Communication

Talking openly, listening, and resolving conflicts respectfully.

Support

Emotional or practical help when needed.

Independence

Keeping personal interests, friendships, and alone time.

Healthy Boundaries

Respecting each other’s need for space, rest, and personal limits.

Risks When Social Connection is Low

It’s not just “feeling lonely.” Social isolation can seriously affect your health. It can raise the risk of dementia and memory problems, make thinking and focus harder over time, and add stress that leads to inflammation, a weaker immune system, and higher blood pressure. Studies also show that loneliness and isolation are linked to a higher risk of early death—similar to other major health risks.

Final Thoughts

Staying healthy helps you stay connected. At Herself Health, your care team can help you manage chronic conditions, stay on top of preventive care, and support your emotional well-being.

Take the next step for your health and social connection—call 888‑290‑1209 today to schedule your visit.