Cheers for the New Year! Where everybody knows your name!

We all know of folks who regularly meet at a local coffee shop or restaurant just to “shoot the breeze” and catch up on what’s going on. It surely isn’t just for the coffee, which most of us could brew right in our own kitchen. No, the difference (and the reason for continuing the routine) is the need for human connection.

The following, by Dona Forke explains it best.

Dona Forke is a Registered Dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional science. She is certified in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management and also serves on several statewide committees focused on health risk prevention and management. Dona presently contracts with the Bridgton Community Center as a Community Partnership Director for the local Healthy Maine Partnership, Healthy Options Together. She can be reached at 693-4545 or dona@fairpoint.net.

What are the key predictors of health as we age? Certainly exercise and good nutrition play a vital role in healthy aging, but did you know that active ties with friends, family, and community have also been shown to increase health and life span?

A 2005 American Psychological Society research study, “How Can I Connect With Thee?” revealed that regular contact with friends and relatives resulted in lower levels of the feeling of isolation in the non-married. It goes on to suggest that “people have the capacity, and perhaps the need, to experience a deep sense of interpersonal connectedness in relationships.”

Other research demonstrates that having a supportive network of friends can buffer the adverse effects of stress and may even reduce the risks of illness, and speed recovery when illness does occur.

A wonderful way to stay connected is to participate in one or more of the senior meals provided in our region. Not only do you get a delicious, nutritious meal, but there is an opportunity to make new connections as well as nourish existing ones.

Information below is current as of this writing; however, it’s a good idea to call and confirm if you are planning to attend for the first time. Generally, a couple of days ahead is a good idea.

WINDHAM

Weekdays at noon, Unity Gardens (Avesta Housing), Route 115, North Windham. Southern Maine Agency on Aging Senior Dining Club, $3.50 donation, reservations required. Call Virginia Billings at 892-3891.

NAPLES

Last Friday of each month, 10:30-1 p.m., Naples Senior Cafa. American Legion on Route 11, $4 donation, reservations required. Call Cheryl Cronin at 693-4377.

CASCO & NAPLES

Mondays & Thursdays, noon, Naples/Casco Senior Meal at Casco Fire Station. $4 donation. Call Beth Latsey at 627-4187.

CASCO

First Monday each month, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Free to all ages, Casco Alliance Church Community Supper at the church, 450 Roosevelt Trail. Call Pamela Graffius, 655-4054.

BRIDGTON

Every Wednesday, noon to 1 p.m., Senior Meal, Bridgton Community Center. $2.00. Call Lorraine Goldrup at 647-3116. Need a ride? Contact the Senior Transportation Program at 647-2483.

Every third Monday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Free – St. Peter’s Cafa at Bridgton United Methodist Church, Main St., Bridgton.

SEBAGO

Every Tuesday, noon, Senior Meal at Sebago Town Hall, Route 107. Please call the Town Hall at 693-2457.

An excerpt from the article “Foundation of Successful Retirement” located on the Mature Resources website, sums it up nicely: Greater benefits can occur from membership in a supportive community, a group of people who depend on one another from day to day.

Community connection often means going regularly to a place where the “regulars” greet you by name, acknowledge you without prompting, and miss you if you don’t show up – like a coffee house, church, gymnasium or community center. The TV program, “Cheers,” depicts such a place, “…where everyone knows your name” and some of your story.

Recent research confirmed that belonging to a close-knit community, like a religious group or volunteer organization, went along with better health among elders.