Resources

Register at 1-800-REDCROSS  or 1-800-733-2767

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental health is wealth, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month—May. The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash. Simple logic dictates that if we are hurt anywhere, we must seek treatment to get better. This applies to both our mental- and physical well-being. Let us know how we can help!

Check out Groton DEI Collaboration online at the Town of Groton website under RESIDENTS at https://www.groton-ct.gov/residents/dei/committee.php

Breath in That Fresh Air
Now that we are experience that warmer spring weather, have you thought about taking
your activities outdoors again? During Covid, Thrive55+ staff did many programs
planned for the outdoors and we encouraged everyone to get outside. Why are we still
doing that? Check out the five reasons below:
• Lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress — Spending time walking among or
simply looking at trees lowers blood pressure and reduces the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
• Improves mood — Researchers have found that nature simply makes us happy. Anxiety, depression and anger
are notably decreased after spending time outdoors.
• Improves focus — Studies show that both adults and children who have difficulties focusing or controlling
impulses are better able to concentrate after being in nature. The natural world allows our brains to take a
break from all that mentally drains us, and even reduces symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD).
• Supports graceful aging — According to a study in the Journal of Aging and Health, adults over 70 who spent
time outdoors experienced fewer sleep difficulties, complained less about aches and pains, and enjoyed
improved mobility and ability to perform daily activities.
• Helps us heal quicker — Illness and surgery can be painful and frightening, which can increase stress and slow
healing. However, researchers discovered that patients who spent time outdoors during their recovery required
fewer painkillers, had fewer complications and experienced shorter hospital stays.

Now read through Discover 55+ and look for our outdoor programs like the OATs program, Tai Chi which goes
outdoors in good weather, Sunset Serenades, Club 55+ Flea Market and more. So breath in that fresh air and get
the benefits of being outdoors!

Our ever popular ACTIVE LIVING EXPO is taking place this year on Wednesday, May 11th 10 am to 1 pm.  This is FREE and open to anyone to attend!