By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Men may not have a heart-to-heart or enjoy talking at the dinner table, but experts say the right kind of socialization does a body—and mind—good.

“Social relationships, even from just a single good friend to participation in larger groups, are crucial to maintaining a sense of belongingness, reducing anxiety, and promoting mental stimulation and well-being,” says Dr. Judah Ronch, professor of psychology at The Erickson School of Aging Studies, at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Related health problems
Why should older men pay attention? Numerous studies have linked serious health risks to social isolation, and due to the rules of masculinity, research indicates men are more likely to become socially isolated as they age.

A study at the Harvard School of Public Health looked at more than 28,000 men over ten years and found that those with fewer personal relationships had a greater chance than others to die of illness, accidents, and suicide.

Additionally, a report presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2003 cited research linking men’s social isolation to a higher risk of heart disease. Those who lack strong social relationships have a greater tendency to develop heart disease, and those who already have it are more likely to die from it.

Find the right activity for you
“The activity that the older individual engages in should be something that they find interesting, meaningful, challenging, and adds to their sense of well-being. Just doing an activity for the sake of doing it doesn’t last very long,” Ronch says.

Ronch encourages men to identify how they see themselves—skillful, artistic, sociable, helpful, a good sport, humorous—then match an activity based on the trait or set of traits.

Rich social environments
“I ask them what they like to do and help them find or adapt it rather than imposing choices," he says.