Engaging and maintaining meaningful social activities and relationships throughout the lifespan is vital to overall to health and well-being. Engaged people are often healthier, happier, less depressed and demonstrate enhanced brain vitality (NIA, 2009; Alzheimer’s Association, 2011; Park, 2009). They also contribute to stronger families and communities.

The Hart County Healthy Living exercise program began meeting in 2008 and is still very active in 2022. The instructor as well as many of the original members have become very close and serve or have served as a support group in the loss of spouses and through difficult times. As they exercise, laugh, share stories, and give each other the socialization that they so long for throughout the week they improve both their physical and mental health. Members come from all social economic backgrounds. This group is also very diverse in that it does not limit itself to those who are mobile. Often members who can only sit in a chair and do limited movement participate in the activities. 

Because of their involvement in the Healthy Living class, they expand their social networks to involve themselves in walking challenges, weight loss programs, cooking, and food preservation classes offered through Hart County Extension.