Copyright Hartford Courant
It starts with a simple hello. A smile at the grocery store. A neighbor stopping to check in. These small gestures may seem ordinary, but science shows they can have an extraordinary impact. They are the building blocks for strong social connections that help us live longer, healthier, and happier lives. With the launch of Enfield Connects in October, our town is taking a bold step to make connection easier for everyone. Enfield Connects may be the first municipal-level anti-loneliness campaign in Connecticut. This initiative reflects both national concern and a very local need: loneliness is more than an individual struggle—it is a public health challenge that touches families, workplaces, and entire communities. Why Connection Matters Loneliness isn’t just a feeling. It can take a serious toll on health. Research shows that being socially disconnected increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and premature death—at levels comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Isolation is more harmful than obesity or physical inactivity. On the flip side, having strong social ties boosts resilience, lowers stress, and enhances our sense of purpose. The benefits extend beyond health. Communities with strong connections enjoy higher trust, safer neighborhoods, and more effective schools. Businesses benefit too: workers who feel connected are more productive and satisfied in their jobs. In other words, investing in relationships pays off—in well-being, in safety, and even in economic strength. The Local Picture Our research in Enfield makes a compelling case. It was expected that we would find isolation among older people – and we did – but the surprise was that nearly four in ten middle and high school students say they feel lonely. Sixteen percent of adults report struggling with anxiety, and 11 percent with depression – often due to a lack of connection. At the same time, we have strengths to build on. More than 80 percent of Enfield residents say they trust their neighbors. That spirit of trust and neighborliness is exactly what Enfield Connects seeks to extend. From Small Gestures to Big Change Connection doesn’t always happen through grand gestures. It grows through everyday interactions—a wave to a passing neighbor, a chat at the post office, a quick phone call to a friend. These moments lift our spirits and weave the fabric of community one thread at a time. But we also need spaces and events that make connection easy and inviting. Sociologists call them “third spaces”—gathering places outside of home and work where people naturally come together. Libraries, coffee shops, parks, and playgrounds all serve this role. So do community events like athletic events, town picnics, neighborhood clean-ups and block parties. Enfield Connects will support both: encouraging simple, friendly gestures in daily life and hosting formal initiatives where residents can meet, talk, and feel part of something larger. Leading the Way The U.S. Surgeon General has called loneliness an epidemic and urged communities to act. Across the nation, policymakers are looking for solutions, and the state of Connecticut created the Social Connection Campaign in 2024. In Enfield, we’re taking it very local, where we think such efforts may be most effective. We are proud to be the first town in Connecticut that we know of to make social connection a public priority. This campaign is about more than programs. It’s about culture. It’s about sending the message that no one has to navigate life alone. Whether you’ve lived in town all your life or just moved in, whether you’re young, old, or somewhere in between, there’s a place for you here— and you can find it at your own pace. A Warm Invitation So here’s an invitation: Say hello to a neighbor today. Share a smile. Call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Every small act of connection matters. Because when we connect, we all thrive. You can learn more about Enfield Connects at https://enfieldtogether.org/connect/
