Kick Off Summer by Making Local Connections

In a new advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, M.D. warned that loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling — it is an epidemic that harms both individual and societal health. Social connection is “a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter,” he said. Researchers with Harvard’s famed Adult Development Study (ongoing since 1939) also find that relationships are key to long-term health and happiness.

That’s why AARP is excited to make it easy this summer to help you connect with others in your community and your state: to have fun, learn, and even volunteer. Summer is the perfect time to make connections because there are so many local outdoor activities, events, and service opportunities.

If you love America’s favorite summer pastime, watching a minor league baseball game this summer with friends at one of the nation’s 160 ballparks might be for you. And some ballclubs – like the Long Island Ducks, San Antonio Missions and the O’Fallon Hoots – have teamed with AARP to offer discounted tickets and connections with other fans for select games.

Or maybe you enjoy music. In Kansas City, AARP is sponsoring the Starlight Theatre's Summer 2023 Broadway Series, including a sweepstakes giveaway for tickets to A Tribute to The Beatles. AARP also is a sponsor of the Cincinnati Music Festival the CMA Festival in Nashville, Summerfest in Milwaukee and numerous other music events. AARP also has a presence at several LGBTQ+ events throughout the nation, including NYC’s massive Pride March.

There are hikes and bike rides, volunteer opportunities and much more. There also are many ways to build social connections virtually from the comfort of your home, including online fitness and cooking classes, as well as virtual or in-person options at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival!

On July 11, AARP is hosting a Facebook Live event, The Happiness Empower Hour, which will feature AARP leaders sharing simple, yet effective steps you can take to connect with people, find purpose, and get help. Whatever you enjoy, this summer make it your mission to make connections in your community.