Social Health in Rural Michigan

Social health contributes greatly to a person’s overall well-being. While many see socialization as just a form of enjoyment, there are numerous health outcomes that can be linked to social connection. Rural communities especially need to focus on social health as people face unique challenges connecting with the community and each other. Keep reading to learn more about social health, the challenges in rural communities and how you can help improve the well-being of others.

What is Social Health?

Kasley Killam defines social health in her article, “What is Social Health?,” as “the aspect of overall well-being that stems from connection and community. It’s about having close bonds with family and friends, enjoying a sense of belonging to groups, and feeling supported, valued and loved.” While the term “social health” is fairly new, it has always been prevalent as it greatly impacts overall health and well-being.

There are a number of factors that contribute to social health and connection. From types of relationships and individual attributes to community and social norms, a person’s social health is shaped through a variety of these variables. See the figure below from “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, to learn more about what influences social connection.

Fact sheet that shows factors that can shape social connection.

Health Impacts

Many understand the importance of connection in regards to happiness and quality of life, but the significance also extends to health. Killam goes on to discuss in her article how social health can impact mental and physical health and even determines “how well we live and how long we live.”

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory, “the effects of social connection, isolation, and loneliness on mortality are comparable, and in some cases greater, than those of many other risk factors.” These include health risks such as smoking, drinking, high blood pressure, physical inactivity and even environmental risks like air pollution.

The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory goes on to discuss how having or not having good social well-being can influence health outcomes in areas such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, infectious diseases, cognitive function, depression, anxiety, suicidality and self-harm. This ultimately illustrates the importance of connection to others in regards to health and overall well-being.

Social Health in Rural Communities

Rural communities face unique challenges for social connection. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to loneliness, making it difficult to even identify individuals in need of more connection. Many who experience social isolation or loneliness do not see themselves in that light. Being able to help these individuals requires creative solutions to connect with and provide resources to improve their social health.

Jennifer Franklin and Carrie Henning-Smith discuss what other factors can influence social isolation and loneliness in rural communities in their article, “Approaching the Issue of Rural Social Isolation.” Many rural communities are spread out with residents living further away from neighbors, family and friends. Plus, with a lack of public transportation, it can be challenging for people to even leave their homes. A lack of access to technology and limited internet access can also negatively impact social health as Franklin and Henning-Smith note in their article. If people are unable to communicate over the phone or on the internet, it creates more obstacles for connection. This is especially the case for older adults who may not be familiar with certain technologies even if they have access to it.

However, while there are challenges in rural communities, there are still lots of opportunities for residents to build relationships. Understanding these challenges is essential to reaching out to those experiencing loneliness and social isolation in rural communities.

Impacts

Living in a rural community can also have benefits to social health. Smaller communities are typically close-knit and safer, helping residents form quality relationships with neighbors and other community members. Having social opportunities like TrueNorth’s Community Connections program and Volunteer Services are also essential to improving social health. See the two stories below to see how fostering relationships and renewing purpose can change lives.

Group of six ladies sitting around a table knitting.

Renee’s Story

For Renee, connecting with those around her through Community Connections’ initiative, Knitting All Together, has helped improve her overall well-being and happiness. Being widowed at a young age and suffering from depression, having this opportunity to form relationships and give back to the community has had a positive impact on her life.

TrueNorth’s All Together programs, like Knitting All Together, bring community members together around common interests and volunteerism. Having these opportunities to connect and help those in need has reinvigorated Renee’s life.

The relationships Renee has formed have helped her feel more connected to the community. Hearing about the lives of others while working on projects to donate to local causes has given Renee opportunities to make an impact with the connections she has formed and the work she has done.

When reflecting on the value All Together has added to her life and the community overall, Renee says, “The value I see on our end is the fact that it gives us a place to go–those of us who need that socialization, who need that sense of purpose and belonging. And I think that helps us as much as the person that’s receiving whatever it is that we’ve made.”

Three ladies painting mugs at Community Connections.

Diane’s Story

“I like talking to people, and I know how lonely sometimes I get,” says Diane, a TrueNorth volunteer, about why she decided to volunteer for Call & Connect. “If they don’t have somebody to talk to then I said, ‘I might as well be trying to make a smile on their face, especially if they don’t get out.’”

Call & Connect is a new volunteer opportunity that is a part of Community Connections. This initiative pairs volunteers with older adults in Newaygo County who would benefit from extra social interaction. Call & Connect aims to spread kindness and encouragement through a simple phone call, helping everyone feel a part of our community.

Diane is one of the first volunteers for Call & Connect. She also participates in TrueNorth’s Community Connections program and understands the importance of socialization and relationships. Diane says, “If they know somebody else is out there that cares, maybe it will help them feel better.”

How to Help Improve Social Health in Rural Michigan

There are a number of ways to help improve social health in rural Michigan. Whether it’s reaching out to those feeling isolated or supporting programs that work to boost connection, you can make an impact.

TrueNorth’s Social Health Initiatives

At TrueNorth Community Services, we believe that everyone deserves access to opportunities to receive help, connect and give back. Learn more about our social health initiatives below.

Community Connections

TrueNorth’s Community Connections program works to provide opportunities for all by creating safe spaces for people to connect with and serve the community. Community Connections is made up of caring individuals looking to form lasting relationships, share meaningful experiences and serve our community to help our neighbors thrive. With initiatives such as All Together, Community Friends and Coffee Connections, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved:

  • All Together: This initiative brings people together through volunteerism and acts of kindness through special interest volunteer groups, such as Baking All Together and Knitting All Together.
  • Community Friends: This initiative facilitates opportunities for community members to build relationships and engage in new experiences. From coming together to play cards at our Joker’s Wild group to going on seasonal day trips, there are a number of ways to connect with others and the surrounding area.
  • Coffee Connections: This initiative provides opportunities for people to form meaningful relationships and engage with the community right from their apartment buildings. Residents at Newaygo County apartments meet on front lawns, in garages or in apartments, uniting neighbors who otherwise may not have the opportunity to meet.

To get involved or support Community Connections, contact Riley Knight at rknight@truenorthservices.org or (231) 924-0641, ext. 178.

Call & Connect

As one of TrueNorth’s Community Connections and volunteer initiatives, Call & Connect pairs volunteers with older adults in Newaygo County who would benefit from extra social connections. The goal of this initiative is to reach those experiencing isolation through kind words and encouragement.

For more information or to get involved with Call & Connect, please contact Charlie Forbes at cforbes@truenorthservices.org or (231) 924-0641, ext. 112.

Social health is integral to our neighbors’ and community’s well-being. By building relationships with those around you, you can greatly impact your own and others’ health. Make a real difference in the lives of people just like Renee and Diane when you get involved by donating or volunteering today.


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