Social connection plays an important role in health for everyone. Connection can increase your sense of community, renew your purpose, and promote feelings of belonging. For veterans in particular, staying connected can benefit physical and mental health and boost overall happiness. It can also create opportunities for growth, like mentoring new veterans as they transition into civilian life. can also create opportunities for growth, like mentoring new veterans as they transition into civilian life.

Connection comes in many forms, and relationships with family, friends, and community can all support well-being. Whether you’re fishing with friends, sharing stories over coffee, or teaching a teenager how to use a hammer, you’re building meaningful connections and strengthening your support network.

But connection can come with challenges, including not knowing how to reach out or where to find people in your area. DOH has expanded its social connection project, Find Your People, to offer information and tools specifically for older veterans and the people in their lives.

Read on to learn more about creating new connections in your life and how the Find Your People campaign can support you.