Month: May 2025

“The power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.” —Dr. Mark Hyman

As a certified health and brain health coach, I love reading about the most up-to-date findings on steps we can take toward living healthier and happier lives.

Research supports my belief that we can actually get better as we age.

And I love to learn that we can not only keep our cognitive decline at bay, but we can actually improve our brain health as we age.

I created a model that I use to help teach and motivate my students to make positive health changes for a more beautiful brain.

I refer to it as Coming to our Senses: 6 Key Foundational Pillars:

S – Sleep

E – Exercise

N – Nutrition

S – Stress Management

E – Engaging the brain

S – Social Connections

(My original model had Self-Care as the 6th pillar; but I have come to realize that self-care is not an individual pillar but rather a combination of all the others.)

I have been made aware of the critical importance of Social Connections for our overall health and well-being, so I have been digging deeper into studies of this sixth pillar in my SENSES model.

The Impact of Friendships

I continue to learn about the huge impact our friendships have on our health, happiness, general well-being and even our longevity. And yet sadly there appears to be an alarming decline in social connections in our culture. In fact, loneliness is now being referred to as a national public health concern!

One day I found myself perusing the internet for more information on this phenomenon of loneliness and the decline in longevity. And as synchronicity would have it, I noticed an email from a friend of mine. It was an invitation to a house party.

A Party Invitation

Here’s what the email said:

Come over to Susan’s house on Friday, March 28 at 1:30

There will be Coffee, Tea & Crumpets

Let’s share our latest projects, passions and ideas (they can be in progress, completed or future desires that you have).

Bring whatever you have to show and tell (even if it’s pictures of your work).

I can’t wait to catch up with whomever can make it.

A social gathering (as in social connections)? I wondered if Susan had been reading the same research that I was.

Sharing our current projects and passions; and sharing about our progress as well. What a fun idea for a party!

I quickly replied, “Yes, count me in and thank you for the invitation! I would love to come to your house and learn about what cool projects and passions others out there are working on!”

We Were Serious

When Susan greeted me at her door, I quickly noticed that the dozen or so invited guests had all taken my friend’s party theme seriously. There was evidence of completed projects and work-in-progress projects laying out all across the living room.

Since the timing of Susan’s party was perfect for my recent focus on the power of Social Connections, I couldn’t help but compare this experience I had with what I was learning from the experts on the benefits of friendships and communities.

Social Benefits of Social Connections

In order to thrive as a community, social support, positive social interaction, and development of supportive friendships and relationships are critical.

After we had a chance to meet and greet one another, Susan had us gather around in chairs that were set up in the living room.

She instructed us to go around the circle and explain our projects and ideas. And she encouraged all of us to feel free to add our comments. And so began the show and tell.

Some of us were just newly acquainted. What a lovely way to get to know someone, immediately learning their interests and passions.

Creative Benefits of Social Connections

Talking with others is a powerful tool for boosting creativity. Social interaction encourages you to share ideas, brainstorm solutions, and think outside the box. When you bounce ideas off someone else, you’re engaging in a creative process that expands your thinking and sparks innovation.

Beautiful quilts were unfolded and spread across the floor, creative wall hangings were rolled out, a legacy scrap book and photo album was displayed, unveiling the family history of generations before. Their pictures of projects and explanations of new ideas and future plans was enlightening.

The creativity throughout the room was amazing. It was so inspiring to see and hear these women sharing their interests, expertise and their passions. I loved hearing about how their making progress not only brought them joy but further motivated them (and the rest of us) to do more.

Psychological Benefits of Social Connections

Spending time with friends gives one a positive sense of pleasure, improved confidence, and self-esteem.

Our get together was a perfect example of the psychological benefits of social connections.

As each of the creators spoke about their project, I couldn’t help but notice their voices got more animated; their eyes lit up and their energy seemed to spew out of their pores. I could also feel their excitement was contagious.

It was quite clear that, indeed, this experience was good for our well-being. There were a lot of discussions about new ideas, current passions and future plans.

We asked questions, gave positive feedback and offered many words of adoration and encouragement.

When one gal mentioned she was feeling stuck with how to sew certain pieces of a garment together, several helpful suggestions followed.

When I shared about an upcoming Brain Health class I would be teaching, I received encouragement as well as promises attend and be among my students.

One lady in the circle stood up and said she wanted to make an announcement. She encouraged those of us who were still working through – and perhaps struggling with – our projects to keep at it. She suggested we make commitments to each other to finish up. And for those of us that just came with good ideas, she told us that she loved hearing about them and expected us to turn them into reality. She reminded us to call on each other to get support when we needed it.

Once we all had a chance to share, Susan invited us into the dining room for tea and crumpets served on her fine China. When someone commented about the beautiful dishware, Susan said she had come to realize there was no point in just storing it all away, “What better use for my collection than to share it with my dear friends.” The tea and crumpets were delightful; as were the conversations.

Cognitive Benefits of Social Connections

Engaging with others can enhance mental health, improve cognitive function, and foster emotional resilience. It also aids in the release of neurotransmitters like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin – all feel-good hormones.

I left Susan’s house that day with those feel-good hormones racing through my body and brain. I was inspired and excited; and my head was spinning with new ideas, like writing an article about the experience and what I was learning about the power of Social Connections!

And speaking of heads spinning… did you know that our time spent engaging in positive social interactions may directly modify our brains?

Biological Benefits of Social Connections

Our social interactions can activate our neural circuits, helping keep them flexible. And spending time in meaningful social interactions may help boost cognitive reserve and mental resilience.

We’ve all heard that socializing is good for the soul, but did you realize that it’s also great for your brain?

Who knew that we were not only having a great time socializing that day, but we were also making our brains and bodies healthier and more beautiful!

Physical Health Benefits of Social Connections

Enjoying the frequent company of good friends is associated with lower blood pressure, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and improved immune function.

What’s there not to love about having more social connections!

I encourage you to plan your own ‘latest project and passions’ party, invite your friends to come and bring their projects, and share their latest ideas.

I would love to hear about your plans and your parties.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you attended or hosted any social gatherings lately? What were they about? How did they stimulate you and your guests? Would you consider a work-in-progress party?

“We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time, important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.” —The Late Pope Francis

No matter your religious affiliation, or if you have none, there was a goodness in Pope Francis that spoke to us all. His kindness and empathy for every human demonstrated pure love. He also respected the environment of our world and cared about its future. He was truly worthy of emulation.

Although the above quote occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, it is just as applicable today, or any day. We need each other!

What Does It Mean to Row Together?

If you have not read the book The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, or seen the movie, I highly recommend them! It is the true story of the University of Washington eight-oared rowing crew that represented the United States at the 1936 Summer Olympics. The life lessons that we can take from those who devote themselves to rowing as a team can apply to us all.

Work as a Team

Rowing is a highly coordinated team sport where all members must work together seamlessly to achieve success. Each rower, depending on their strengths, is assigned a place in the boat. The coxswain or stroke person sits facing the rowers and is responsible for steering, calling out the stroke tempo or rate, and directing and encouraging the crew. Communication, synchronization, and mutual support are essential.

Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is crucial in rowing, as team members need to respond quickly to commands from the coxswain or stroke person. This teaches team members to listen attentively, communicate clearly, and make split-second decisions. In the finals of the 1936 Olympics, the coxswain was distracted so the crew got a late start. His ability to adjust and communicate necessary changes in tempo were critical to potential success.

Create Mutual Trust

In rowing, team members must trust each other to do their part and rely on each other’s strength and stamina. Each team member is accountable for their performance. If one person fails to pull their weight, the whole team suffers. If one person is ill, as at the Olympics, it affects the entire crew.

Build Resilience

Rowing on water can be unpredictable due to changing conditions such as wind and current. Rowers must be resilient and adapt quickly to these changes. The water may be smooth as glass in qualification, but the wind picks up and the crew faces growing swells in the finals. Rowers must be ready for any racing conditions.

Set Clear Goals

Rowing teams set clear goals and work tirelessly to achieve them. Relentless strength training and crew practices require devotion to the common cause even when the sore muscles or blisters scream for a rower to stop. Rowing requires focus, determination, and the desire to push through physical discomfort.

Talk It Out

After a practice or race, teams often debrief to discuss what went well and what needs to change. This feedback culture promotes a commitment to continuous improvement. Each member of the crew must be open to adjusting and be devoted to the end goal.

How Will You Row Together?

I was curious about rowing, so I took a class on a local lake. I thought I was in good shape, but I quickly found I was in physical pain. The strength and stamina required to row was greater than I expected. That did not deter me, however. I was determined to finish the class.

Over the course of a few weeks, the physical pain diminished, and I was able to enjoy the experience of working with a team, listening and following instructions, and making adjustments. Feedback was essential to my growth and the development of my skill.

The attributes of a successful team listed above can apply to any group – family, work, team sport, project, or even as The Late Pope Francis said, to the world.

Questions for You:

How do you row together? What do you think The Late Pope Francis meant? How can we achieve it in our personal life and as a community?

It would be the first time a Royal heir would attend the event.

It would be the first time a Royal heir would attend the event.

As you look ahead to retirement, there are opportunities to secure income beyond strategically positioning your Social Security income.

An Investopedia article, 4 Sources of Income for Your Retirement has some excellent information.

Immediate Annuities*

Purchasing an immediate annuity is a straightforward way to turn a lump sum into a steady, guaranteed income stream that lasts for the remainder of your life. Many retirees use the savings accumulated during their working years to buy an immediate annuity because it provides predictable payments that are immune to market fluctuations and interest rate changes.

However, this stability comes with trade-offs. Immediate annuities don’t adjust for inflation, meaning their purchasing power declines over time. Still, these provide an excellent way for your retirement savings to outlast their value, especially if your health, habits, and genetics project longevity.

*Annuities are designed to be long-term investments and frequently involve charges such as administrative fees, annual contract fees, mortality & risk expense charges, and surrender charges. Early withdrawals may impact annuity cash values and death benefits. Taxes are payable upon withdrawal of funds. An additional 10% IRS penalty may apply to withdrawals prior to age 59 ½ for IRAs. Annuities are not guaranteed by FDIC or any other governmental agency and are not deposits or other obligations of or guaranteed or endorsed by any bank or savings association. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Strategic Systematic Withdrawals

Another key strategy to consider is systematic withdrawals – a structured approach to managing retirement income.

Even if you have millions saved, withdrawing everything at once and stashing it away isn’t a tax-savvy or secure way to maximize your income. Instead, withdrawing only what you need while allowing the rest of your assets to continue growing is the strategic approach.

A systematic withdrawal strategy involves determining your cash flow needs and withdrawing only that amount at regular intervals. While taking out a fixed sum each month may seem systematic, true strategy requires aligning withdrawals with your actual financial needs to avoid depleting funds too quickly.

Most retirees gradually liquidate their assets over time, with mutual funds and stocks in 401(k) plans or IRAs often serving as primary sources of income. However, other assets – like bonds, bank accounts, and real estate – should also be considered in a well-balanced drawdown strategy.

Understanding and implementing a strategic lifetime income plan can help retirees balance income needs while preserving their financial security for the long haul.

Laddered Bonds**

Now, let’s explore bond ladders, a strategy that involves purchasing multiple bonds with staggered maturity dates. This approach provides consistent returns, minimizes risk, and protects against call risk, since bonds mature at different times rather than all at once.

Bonds typically pay interest twice a year, meaning a portfolio of six bonds can generate steady monthly cash flow. Since the interest rate is locked in at purchase, payments remain predictable and stable over time. As each bond matures, a new one is purchased with a later maturity date, effectively extending the ladder.

This ongoing cycle ensures continued income and reinvestment opportunities. Additionally, bond ladders offer flexibility because investors can choose from a wide range of bonds with varying credit qualities to tailor the portfolio to their needs.

**Laddered bonds strategy offers predictable cash flow and reinvestment opportunities, it does not eliminate all risks. Bond prices can fluctuate due to interest rate changes, and there is a risk of credit defaults from the issuers. Additionally, while laddering can reduce the impact of rising rates, it does not protect against all market or economic risks. As with any investment, it is important to carefully consider your financial situation and investment goals before proceeding.

Laddered MYGAs

Building a Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuity – or MYGA – ladder follows the same strategy as constructing a bond ladder, with MYGAs purchased at staggered maturity dates to provide a structured flow of income. For example, one MYGA might mature in two years, another in three, and another in five. As each MYGA matures, a new one is purchased with a later maturity date, ensuring a continuous cycle of predictable reinvestment.

While MYGA ladders are typically used for shorter-term financial growth (2-7 years), they can also support longer-term financial goals if interest rates are favorable.

Consult a Financial Professional

In this article, we included a few suggestions on how to ensure your retirement savings are working for you. Each individual strategy may or may not be right for you, as all financial planning decisions should only be made as a part of a greater whole.

This is where consulting a financial professional comes into play. A financial advisor specializing in retirement planning will weigh your current financial position with your future financial goals in order to design a strategy that best positions you to reach those goals.

If you’d like to take the first step in getting a personalized retirement plan designed for you, click here to book a complimentary consultation with a retirement plan design specialist.

Also read, Could This Drain Your Retirement Savings?

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What financial strategies have you tried to make your retirement savings last? Which strategies have worked for you and which haven’t?