At Friends House, connection isn’t something we schedule – it’s something we live.

This May, in celebration of Older Americans Month, we proudly join the national movement to Flip the Script on Aging. That means rethinking how we talk about aging – not as a period of decline, but as a time filled with purpose, discovery, and connection. And nowhere is that more visible than in the small but meaningful moments that shape everyday life at Friends House.

It’s in the neighbor who saves you a seat at lunch. The team member who remembers how you take your coffee. The familiar sound of garden clippers as you pass by the community gardens on your morning walk. These aren’t just casual interactions – they’re daily reinforcements of belonging.

And research shows: those moments matter more than we sometimes realize.

Conversation Is a Form of Care

Older adults who maintain regular social interaction experience fewer feelings of isolation and better cognitive function. In fact, NIH studies show that staying socially engaged can reduce the risk of developing dementia and depression, and even lead to longer lifespans.

That’s why the culture at Friends House encourages purposeful conversation. Whether it’s catching up over lunch or chatting during a walk on the wooded trails, the goal is simple: to know and be known.

These moments challenge the tired narrative that aging means retreating from life. In truth, the older adults in our community are leaning in.

Shared Spaces, Shared Purpose

Design plays a quiet but essential role in fostering connection. Our community layout – open greenspaces, winding sidewalks, a central pond, and garden plots – was created to encourage interaction. These spaces are used for everything from shared hobbies to spontaneous chats on a bench.

More than just scenery, these areas promote healthy aging. The World Health Organization emphasizes that community participation and supportive environments are key pillars to aging well. That’s built into daily life at Friends House.

The Power of Small Gestures

We often think of community as big gestures – celebrations, programs, large gatherings. And those have their place. But community is also a neighbor dropping off cookies just because you mentioned a rough week. It’s the friend who stops by on their way to the Elephant Shop to see if you need anything. It’s the shared smile during morning walks.

These actions might seem small. But according to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest-running study on human happiness, close relationships – more than money or fame – are what keep people happy throughout their lives.

Flipping the Script – One Day at a Time

This year’s Older Americans Month theme invites all of us to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions about aging. At Friends House, our residents do this not by trying to prove something – but simply by living purposefully.

They explore. They contribute. They connect. And they remind us that aging isn’t about limitations – it’s about continuing to grow, together.

Explore the Stories That Define Us

Want to see connection in action? Read our Resident Stories to witness how individuals are flipping the script on aging through joyful experiences, new adventures, and heartfelt bonds.

From gardening to group discussions, every story is proof that age is not a limit – it’s a launching point.