Connections are a powerful pillar to our overall well-being. A sense of belonging supports individual well-being and is one of the behaviors connected to longevity in the original blue zones regions. But, it’s getting harder to be connected in many places, leaving people vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and other anti-social behaviors. Blue Zones Project provides opportunities and creates environments that increase positive connections among individuals. By fostering right tribe, encouraging behaviors that put loved ones first, and supporting a person’s reason to belong, we can help everyone feel like a part of something bigger. 

Blue Zones Project Approved™ faith-based organization, Wahiawa Seventh-day Adventist Church (Wahiawa SDA) has begun taking steps to engage and connect their seniors through their recently launched Golden Arch group. According to community member Blanche Chong, the Golden Arch group “stands for the seniors of the church who are as precious as gold and with many years that they have of knowledge and wisdom. The arch stands for God who had bent the rainbow over the whole earth in his promise to never flood the earth again. [It’s a way] to keep people connected to each other.” Their group meets monthly with the possibility of expanding to twice a month and potentially inviting community members to join.

The Golden Arch group held their first event in June, where they walked the Wahiawa Botanical Gardens and returned to the church to have a plant-based lunch. Not only were the seniors able to reconnect with a beautiful garden in their community, they also got some steps in and connected by talking story about “everything under the sun, including the bible.” The group will continue to connect and go on outing events such as gardens, art walks, or visit neighboring parks as well as spending time at the church to sing, have a sermonette, lunch, and connect with each other.

Along with the launch of the Golden Arch group, Wahiawa SDA has also relaunched their Walking Moai, in which members of all ages meet every Saturday afternoon to walk at a community park; reserving the last Saturday of the month for a longer, more vigorous walk/hike.

Staying connected is a powerful pillar of individual and community well-being. When you have a sense of belonging and can connect with your right tribe, together you can lift each other up to incorporate healthy nudges, make healthy steps, and connect to build relationships that improve our overall well-being.

Find time this summer to connect with your family and friends and visit a community garden, such as the Wahiawa Botanical Garden.