- RetireHub
- Posts
- Social Connections and Mental Health
Social Connections and Mental Health
Trivia: What was the first feature-length animated film released by Walt Disney?
RetireHub
September 12, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Friday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing smart tips on social connections and mental health, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
😴 41% OFF – Contoured Sleeping Mask with 3D Blindfold Design
Drift into deeper rest with this lightweight, ergonomic sleep mask that blocks out light without pressing on your eyes. Its concave shape makes it perfect for meditation, travel, or everyday use—bringing comfort and calm wherever you go.
💓 33% OFF – Runstar Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor
Keep track of your health with ease using this digital arm blood pressure monitor. With a clear display, one-button operation, and memory storage for multiple readings, it’s a simple way to stay on top of wellness at home.
🍬 21% OFF – Haribo Goldbears Gummy Candy (Resealable 3 lb Pack)
Indulge your sweet tooth with the classic chewy gummies loved worldwide. This bulk-sized, resealable pack is perfect for sharing, parties, or keeping on hand when you need a little burst of fruity fun.
What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Amelia Addler Sheila’s life has unraveled into divorce, debt, and the struggle to save her seaside shop from her manipulative ex-husband, but she refuses to give up. Her unexpected ally is Russell, a movie star turned recluse next door, who finds himself drawn to her strength despite his vow to avoid love. When a long-buried secret threatens their fragile connection, both must choose whether to risk heartbreak for the chance at a true second chance. |
On this day in 1992, Mae C. Jemison made history as the first African American woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. A physician, engineer, and former Peace Corps volunteer, Jemison brought her wide-ranging expertise to the STS-47 mission, which conducted experiments on life sciences and materials processing in orbit. Her six-day journey not only expanded scientific understanding but also shattered barriers, inspiring future generations to see space as a place where everyone belongs.
Social Connections and Mental Health
As we grow older, one of the most valuable gifts we can give ourselves isn’t something we buy or store away—it’s the gift of connection. Friendships, family ties, and community bonds play a powerful role in how we feel day to day, both emotionally and physically. In fact, research has shown that staying socially connected can improve memory, reduce stress, lower the risk of depression, and even support a healthier heart.
Human beings are wired for connection. Just as our bodies need exercise and nourishment, our minds thrive on conversation, laughter, and shared experiences. Something as simple as a phone call with a friend, chatting with a neighbor, or attending a group activity can brighten our outlook and remind us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves.
When social ties weaken, feelings of loneliness and isolation can creep in. These feelings aren’t just unpleasant—they can affect mental health in very real ways, contributing to anxiety, sadness, and a decline in overall well-being. The good news is that building connections doesn’t always require a big effort. Sometimes it starts with small steps: joining a book club, volunteering, inviting someone for coffee, or simply smiling and saying hello more often.
Technology, too, has opened new doors. Video calls with loved ones, online classes, and social media groups tailored for older adults can provide meaningful interaction right from the comfort of home. While nothing fully replaces face-to-face connection, these digital tools can help bridge gaps and keep relationships strong when distance or mobility makes gathering difficult.
Social connection isn’t just about avoiding loneliness—it’s about embracing joy, sharing wisdom, and experiencing life together. Every conversation, every laugh, every moment of kindness exchanged strengthens not only our relationships but our sense of purpose and happiness.
So, as you think about your own life, ask yourself: How can I nurture connection today? Maybe it’s reaching out to an old friend, joining a new activity, or saying “yes” to that invitation you’ve been hesitating on. The smallest effort can have the biggest impact—on both your health and your heart.
How do you most enjoy staying connected? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Which Island Nation’s Culture Would You Most Like to Experience?
Our latest poll revealed just how adventurous and curious our community is when it comes to exploring culture around the world. Greece stole the spotlight with 44% of the vote—clearly, mythology, family feasts, and lively festivals continue to capture hearts. Fiji came in second at 21%, with many drawn to its welcoming villages and traditional kava ceremonies. Japan (15%) and Cuba (14%) were nearly neck and neck, reminding us how much joy can be found in tea ceremonies, music, and street celebrations alike. And a thoughtful 5% of you dream of “other” islands entirely—proof that wanderlust is as unique as each of us.
No matter the destination, what shines through is a shared love for connection, tradition, and experiencing life in all its colorful variety. Maybe the true takeaway isn’t just where we’d like to go—but how deeply we all value culture, community, and celebration.
TOP COMMENTS
“Always wanted to visit Cuba. My father's mother was part Cuban. I love the culture and people.”
“New Zealand - I’ve heard it’s a beautiful country with lots of culture and traditions. I would love to go there someday.”
“Greece has been on my bucket list for a while!! The beautiful beaches, the Mediterranean and the cultural history. Sigh”
Quieting the Storm: Three Steps Toward Freedom from Anxiety
Many of us know what it feels like to lie awake, heart racing with worry, or to wake up braced for the worst. Anxiety can become a constant companion—overwhelming thoughts, sleepless nights, and a restless mind. But it doesn’t have to have the last word.
Here are three gentle strategies to help you break free:
Name the Fear — Start by writing down what’s really making you anxious. Often, it’s the same thoughts that loop repeatedly or worst-case scenarios that keep you up. Putting the fear into words is the first step toward understanding—and shrinking—its power.
Reframe Your Thoughts — When you catch yourself spiraling, pause and shift the dialogue in your head. Instead of letting the fear dictate the story, try affirmations or gentle reminders: “I’ve faced challenges before. I can handle this.” The goal isn’t denying fear, but giving your mind another angle.
Make Reframing a Habit — Change doesn’t happen overnight; consistency is your ally. The next time you notice that anxious thought, take a breath, name it, and redirect. Over time, these small changes build resilience, help you feel calmer, and reclaim joy.
No one deserves to live chained to worry. The author of this piece, who once lived with this daily struggle, now guides others toward calmer days. She reminds us: peace is possible—and often begins with choosing not to stay stuck.
Follow us on Social Media!
Join an online community thriving in retirement! Find us on:
Every day we post retirement tips, highlights from our newsletter so you can comment and discuss in the community, and some fun retirement-themed motivation!
Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Napfluence
Meaning: Napfluence is a playful term that combines “nap” and “influence,” referring to the positive effects that taking a short, restorative nap can have on mood, energy, productivity, and overall well-being.
In a sentence: "After discovering the power of a midday nap, Elaine proudly embraced her new napfluence, feeling more energized and cheerful for afternoon walks and book club meetings."
Good News of the Day
From Dumpster to Dinner: Pizzeria Owner Offers Free Meals and Dignity
In Columbia Heights, Minnesota, Chris Kolstad, owner of Pizza Man, noticed signs that individuals were rummaging through his restaurant's dumpster for food. Rather than ignoring the situation, Kolstad took to social media, inviting those in need to ask for a meal directly. His compassionate plea resonated with the community, leading to a surge of support. A donation link shared by Kolstad has raised over $4,000 to help cover the costs of providing meals to those in need. Since then, Kolstad has served nearly 100 individuals, offering them not just food but a sense of dignity and care. His actions highlight the profound impact of kindness and the importance of community support in addressing food insecurity.
Other Publications We Like
Check out these other email newsletters we think you’ll enjoy!
RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
What is the only moon in the solar system known to have a dense atmosphere? |
What was the first feature-length animated film released by Walt Disney? |
Which ocean current is responsible for keeping northwestern Europe relatively mild in winter? |
A QUICK ASK: First off, thank you for reading RetireHub every day. It fills our cup that so many thousands of people get joy from our little publication.
As you know, good content costs money. In order to continue supporting ourselves and to continue delivering the content you enjoy every day, we need to pay our writers. If you can, we ask you to subscribe to our paid account (for $5/month - less than a cup of coffee!) below.
If you choose to purchase a paid subscription, please know you’re supporting not only our publication, but tens of thousands of other 50+ year old Americans that get joy, entertainment, financial tips, and more from RetireHub every single day.
If you don’t join the paid plan (or can’t), no worries at all. We know times are tough. Thank you for being a part of our tiny, joyful part of the Internet.
- Jay
**RetireHub may receive affiliate compensation for links clicked within this newsletter.
***RetireHub may share poll results with advertisers.