Images courtesy of Copper Shores Community Health Foundation

Brilliant Fall Colors: A Time to Connect at Congregate Sites

Fall is a beautiful season in the Keweenaw, with vibrant colors painting the landscapes. It’s a perfect time to enjoy rides in the woods, savor the last swim, and prepare camps for the upcoming winter. But it’s also an ideal time to discover and explore a Congregate Site near you.

Kathy, a widow, mother, and grandmother, shares her enthusiasm for the Chassell Congregate Site, stating, “Having lunch at the Chassell Congregate Site is something I look forward to every week. It helps me get out of the house and is a regular part of my social activities. Plus, it’s a great reason to put on my make-up!”

At the Chassell site, Kathy warmly welcomes newcomers. They quickly become like family, looking out for each other and fostering lasting friendships.

The Impact of Loneliness and Isolation

In May of this year, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” This report highlights the profound effects of isolation and loneliness on individuals and society, comparing it to the impacts of smoking and nicotine consumption.

The report emphasizes that social connection is a fundamental human need and essential for survival, just like food, water, and shelter. Research consistently shows that loneliness is associated with increased health issues, including dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and even premature death.

Congregate Sites: Addressing Health Concerns

Congregate sites play a critical role in addressing these health concerns. The National Council on Aging stresses that social isolation can lead to loneliness, depression, higher blood pressure, and early-onset dementia. Regular attendance at Congregate meals provides older adults with the opportunity to meet new people, nurture lasting friendships, and build a robust social support network.

Attendees at various congregate sites in the Keweenaw all agree that social connection is a key reason for their participation. They appreciate the chance to connect with others, breaking free from the confines of their homes or apartments. Many individuals have reported a significant decrease in depression levels after rejoining these Congregate sites following the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Dangers of Social Isolation

As we age, mobility becomes more challenging, and the loss of spouses and friends further limits social interactions. It becomes easier to stay within our comfort zones, and days or even weeks can pass without seeing or visiting with anyone.

Loneliness and social isolation are not only detrimental to mental health but also accelerate cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia in older adults, including Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that chronic loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia by approximately 50% in older adults.

The Value of Congregate Sites

The value of congregate sites extends far beyond providing a hot meal. While attending a meal site may require extra effort, every attendee agrees that it’s worth it. Connecting with others leaves them energized, and they appreciate the familiarity of the social network and shared meals.

We invite you to visit one of our five congregate meal locations: Keweenaw Pines, Calumet Park Avenue, Maple Lane in Lake Linden, Lakeview in Hancock, and Chassell Fire Hall. Each site has regular attendees who warmly welcome new faces. If you’re over 60 and anticipating the upcoming winter, we encourage you to tour the different sites and find the one that best suits your personality and interests. Plus, enjoy a delicious meal featuring locally sourced foods bursting with color and flavor! For more information, visit us at www.coppercountryseniormeals.org/congregate-meals/.

Congregate Meal Sites:

• Calumet (Park Avenue Apartments; 1 Park Avenue) – Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m.
• Chassell (Chassell Fire Hall; 22115 7th Street) – Mondays and Wednesdays at noon
• Hancock (Lakeview Manor; 1401 W. Quincy Street) – Monday through Friday at noon
• Lake Linden (Maple Lane; 210 Calumet Street) – Tuesdays at noon
• Mohawk (Keweenaw Pines; 3183 US Highway 41) – Monday through Friday at noon

Stay Informed!

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive today’s breaking news and more directly in your inbox.