Skip to content

Take the memory test and earn double points thru 11/23/25.

Content starts here

CLOSE ×

Red Membership Card

AARP Membership — $15 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

The Power of Social Connections

Strong relationships enhance emotional well-being and support cognitive health. Discover how to build lasting social bonds that will serve you well in the years ahead.

Scroll for More ↓

Two men and two women laughing together during a meal at a table in a home

A hot air balloon flying over mountains

Challenges

Happiness & Making Connections

Learn about the role happiness plays in brain health and the importance of making connections

Be Social

12 Ways to Avoid Loneliness

U.S. surgeon general offers advice and a call to action

Be Social

Start a Meaningful Conversation

Moving beyond small talk can strengthen connections

MEMBERS ONLY

Be Social

Pen a Thank-You Note

Handwritten is heartfelt

Be Social

Spend Time With an Optimist

Make it a no-downers day

MEMBERS ONLY

A family photo taken outside the front of a home

Test Your Knowledge

Fact 1: Humans are wired to be social.

The brain contains structures that form the social brain network, which manages our interactions with others. That network is larger in people with more and deeper relationships.

A man sitting on a couch alone and looking out of a window

Test Your Knowledge

Fact 2: Being socially disconnected is as bad as...

It’s as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day! Yes, when the U.S. surgeon general announced that, we were stunned too.

Four women smiling and taking a selfie together

Test Your Knowledge

Fact 3: It’s possible to build a social life as you get older.

True! Finding ways to reconnect with old friends or make new ones is good for the brain and may reduce the risk of dementia. Finding your tribe — tribes, even — through family, clubs, religious groups, volunteering — one-on-one or in groups — is important. Being Social is one of the six pillars of brain health, so we’ve got a slew of information and ideas to help you expand your social circles.

Fact 1
Fact 2
Fact 3

Why Social Time Equals Good Times

Be Social

You Gotta Have Friends

Prioritizing your pals may boost your happiness — and health

MEMBERS ONLY

A woman, Olivia Affuso, smiling and sitting on camera

TED Talks

3 ways community creates a healthy life

Kickstart a healthy life by tapping into the collective power of a community

View Video

Members Only

Be Social

Social Ties and a Healthier Brain

Explore the link between social relationships and cognitive well-being in older adults

Be Social

The Health Benefits of Being With Pets

Learn how pets can improve your health and well-being in surprising ways

Manage Stress

Laughter Can Give Brain a Healthy Boost

A good guffaw releases feel-good chemicals and reduces stress

Manage Stress

Group Singing Strikes the Right Note

Discover how group singing can support cognitive health and mental well-being

Take Action to Boost Your Social IQ

Be Social

5 Smart Ways to Make and Keep New Friends

Try these tips to expand your social circle and nurture your brain health

Be Social

Make It a Game Night

Ditch screens, gather your loved ones and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun

View Video

A woman, Celeste Headlee. speaking on stage at a TED event

TED Talks

10 ways to have a better conversation

When your job hinges on how well you talk to people, you learn about conversations

View Video

Members Only

Be Social

Plan a Monthly Gathering

Get your posse together over brunch, games, drinks or dinner

MEMBERS ONLY

A man, Ron Gutman, speaking on stage at a TED event

TED Talks

The hidden power of smiling

Prepare to flex your facial muscles as you learn about this behavior

View Video

Members Only

Manage Stress

Lighten Up With Play Time!

Games, coloring books and playgrounds aren’t just for kids

MEMBERS ONLY

An illustration of jumbled letters

TED Talks

How miscommunication happens (and how to avoid it)

How we can minimize frustration while expressing ourselves better

View Video

Members Only

Be Social

Play Time! It’s In the Cards

Gather some friends for a game or two

MEMBERS ONLY

More Content to Explore

Your Brain on Love

Did you know that love starts in the brain?

View Video

Members Only

Your Brain on Dancing

Shake your booty! It's good for you (and it's fun)

View Video

Members Only

two women talk while sitting on a couch together

5 Things to Know About Friendships

Spending time with friends can lower the risk of heart issues and cognitive decline

View Video

Legal Disclaimer: Staying Sharp, including all content and features, is offered for informational purposes and to educate users on brain health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Staying Sharp is based on a holistic, lifestyle approach to brain health that encourages users to incorporate into their daily lives activities that are associated with general wellness. Nothing in the service should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Features including the Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins, Additional Tests, exercises, and challenges assess performance at a particular moment in time on certain discrete cognitive tasks. Staying Sharp games are intended for entertainment and recreational purposes only. Various factors may affect performance, including sleep, tiredness, focus, and other social, environmental, or emotional factors. Performance is not indicative of cognitive health and not predictive of future performance or medical conditions.

Unused AARP Rewards points expire 12 months after they are earned, in monthly batches on a rolling basis.