In “What Really Matters” I’ve emphasized eating habits and offered some information on exercise, but healthy lifestyle also includes social interaction. This is one of the key areas in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine list of major factors for health, physical and mental. A recent study of Parkinson’s disease patients found that it was as important as regular exercise for health and well being.

Three important social circles are identified: family, especially spouse; a tribe of good close confidants; membership in a larger group with shared purpose like a church, civic association or those with the bond of a shared problem like alcoholism, breast cancer or Parkinson’s disease. All three of these circles are important; the healthiest, happiest life is one with rich involvement in all three.

As COVID has limited social connectivity for many it’s important to support your social connections and help others do likewise. A high school classmate and friend, Matt Hassett, has been sending short poems, limericks or haikus on topical issues most days to a group of his friends by email. This inspired me to do likewise by sharing photos from my early morning walks. A plant app, PictureThis, allows me to identify most flowers, trees or bushes and share a phone photo with a little information about something that catches my eye. I mix this up with wildlife, vistas, interesting garden or home decorations- whatever catches my fancy. I’ve become a much better observer of nature and learned a lot about flora the last couple of months. Even better, I’m connecting with friends, many of whom I rarely see or otherwise have any interaction with. I haven’t seen Matt in person for over 63 years!

Let me know if you’d like to be on my photo email list. Even better, start some sort of connection interest email with friends. (I choose not to use Facebook to avoid their intrusions and commercial monitoring.)