Feeling happy and being healthy isn’t a one-person job. Turns out it’s more like a group effort. The more people in your group – the more social connections you have – the happier and healthier you may be. Having a good social network can help you feel better and improve the quality of your life; it might even make you live longer! Loneliness, on the other hand, can lead to increased stress and health problems both mental and physical. A strong body of research shows that being connected with people and with your community is a strong contributor to overall good health. And so…what does going online have to do with being social? As we get older, it can be more challenging to stay connected. There is a higher risk of losing some of our important social connections. You leave the workforce. Your kids or your friends may move out of the area. You may be divorced, widowed, or living on your own. Health issues may make it more difficult to get out as often, or at all. That’s where online communities may be able to make a difference and fill part of the gap. A personal computer or iPad just might be one element of your social life, a way that technology can help you connect and stay part of the social scene. The use of social networking sites like Facebook has increased rapidly among people over age 50. A Pew research study in 2010 shows that 42 percent of adults 65 and older are online, as are almost 80 percent of people who are 50-64. The internet can be a place to communicate with friends and family whether it’s through email messages, online chat features, or social networking sites. While online socializing doesn’t replace face-to-face interactions, it is positively associated with more and better contact with family and friends.
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(May 18) Today's Top Headlines - Pennsylvania woman tries to poison families with burritos
Police say an eastern Pennsylvania woman tried to poison her husband and daughter with burritos laced with prescription medicine.
- Updated: Yesterday
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BUSINESS
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The Parish has relaxed atmosphere with southern food and drinks
One of only a couple gastropubs on the Northwest side of Tucson, The Parish, has made its mark by serving a variety of southern dishes, beers …
- Updated: May 15
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FEATURES
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Marana resident charged with second degree murder
On May 16, 2013 at 11:14 p.m., officers from the Marana Police Department responded to a residence located in the 8900 block of N. Palm Brook …
- Updated: May 17
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THINGS TO DO
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OPINION
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Respect your servers
Several months back, I wrote an editorial on bad customer service, and the trials and tribulations we go through with automated services, a la…
- posted: May 15
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MARKETPLACE
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Third cash mob planned
The third Oro Valley Cash Mob is scheduled for this week, as residents are encouraged to join the town in shopping at a destination that will …
- Updated: May 15
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Pet News - Adore-a-Bull Adoption Party
Thanks to a generous grant from PetSmart Charities, we’ll be having loads of pit bull-focused fun at our Adore-a-Bull Adoption Party! All bull…
- posted: May 17
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VIDEO
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Country Thunder, Day 3: Brice and Keith steal the show
Toby Keith and Lee Brice will be a tough act to follow today, the final day of Country Thunder in Florence.
- Updated: May 02
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Catalina State Park: Still a community treasure after 30 years
Its been 30 years since Catalina State Parks opened in the Coronado National Forest north of Oro Valley.
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