Social connections are the relationships and interactions we have with family, friends, colleagues, and community members that provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
Tips & Links
Social connections are the relationships you have with the people around you. They may be personal like family, friends, and neighbours. Some of your more regular or meaningful social connections might be listed as care partners.
Learn More
- Explore how being socially connected to others can increase your life expectancy, improve physical wellness, and reduce your risk of isolation and depression from Healthlink BC.
- Learn about the importance of and ideas for social connections from the Government of BC.
- Think about the times of day you want to be social versus when you want alone time.
- Stay connected to people through face-to-face visits, phone calls, video calls, texts and emails. a variety of ways to stay socially connected such as volunteering, part-time work, recreational programs, and group physical activities in the form of dance, yoga, Tia-Chi, pickle ball, golf, and others.
- Engage in small group activities that interest you such as crafts, pottery, art, cooking, music, educational courses, and others. Make a list of activities you are interested in trying.
- Learn about the role of support groups and how they can provide guidance and companionship from Healthlink BC.
Things You Can Do
- In BC, various organizations offer disease-focused support groups for individuals and their families. These groups provide peer support, information, and resources for specific health conditions, including mental health, cancer, dementia, and more. Learn more about specific groups from BC Cancer, Pain BC, Parkinson Society of BC, Alzheimers Society of BC, and many others.
- Find disease/condition specific support groups for caregivers listed by the Family-Caregivers of BC.
- Consider that some people are private people and do not want to share their concerns in a group setting. Understand that support groups are not for everyone.
- Focus on healthy relationships with people who accept you and make you feel good about yourself.
- Explore travelling opportunities that meet your current social desires and physical abilities.
- Consider volunteering as it offers the opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests.
- Reflect on your need for personal boundaries and your need for privacy and confidentiality as you explore new social connections and relationships.