Host: Christopher L. Camp, M.D., Creator & Guide | Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project

Guest: Melanie J. Chandler, PhD, ABPP, Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist | Mayo Clinic – Florida

We all want to age well. This is true for our physical bodies, our mental sharpness, AND our social relationships. The social aspect of our lives is one that is often neglected, but this is a huge mistake. One of the greatest drivers of joy in our lives is having genuine and meaningful relationships with people we care about. So why is this often a challenge for us, and why does it get harder as we age? This is a question that we shouldn’t wait to answer until we are past our prime.

Our expert guest today is Dr. Melanie Chandler, and the three big questions are going to answer are:

1. What does “aging well socially” look like, and why is it important?

2. Why do so many of us struggle with our relationships and sense of purpose as we move through life

3. What practical steps can we take now to ensure we remain connected as we age?

How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”:

Discussion Questions for this Episode: 

1) After reviewing this episode, how do you define “aging well socially?”

 2) Discuss the concept of “social reserve” that was brought up in this session. Had you heard that before? What do you think about it? Is it fair to think about it similarly to financial, physical, or cognitive reserve?

3) What is your ideal make up of social connectedness? For some, this is having a large group of friends. For others, it may be a smaller group of very close friends. What does the ideal set up look like to you? How big do you want your circle to be, and what do you want these relationships to look like?  What interests or shared experiences can they be based on? 

4) Where have you struggled getting connected in the past? What are some of the barriers that have held you back from making new connections and joining new groups (try to think beyond just “lack of time)?

5) In this episode, we discussed how being socially isolated or lonely can have significant changes on joy, well-being, sense of purpose, physical health, and even mortality. Did that surprise you? Why or why not?

6) Think of an older person that you feel may benefit from improved social connectedness. What barriers do you think are holding this individual back? Are they mostly physiologic changes (decreased mobility, hearing, health, memory, etc.) or behaviors/attitudes (embarrassment, lack of awareness, lack of desire, etc.).   

7) After everyone talks though question 6, what are some strategies that you could use to help these individuals if they were open to it?

8) Tell your group at least one new thing (action step) you are going to do or behavior you are going to adopt to improve your social connectedness? What steps can you take NOW (regardless of your age) to help minimize your risk of feeling isolated later in life?

9) After others list the "one new thing" of "action step" they are going to do, help them refine that to make it more: clear, objective, measurable, and simple. The more we can make our actions clear, objective, measurable, and simple, the more likely we are to do them and enjoy the process!

Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize

Email: [email protected]