A Palm Springs Guide to Staying Connected, Healthy, and Happy All Summer Long
There are two seasons in Palm Springs. One is glorious. The other makes you wonder if you accidentally moved to the surface of the sun.
If you've lived here for any length of time, you know the routine. You peek outside, check the forecast, laugh out loud, and decide today is probably a good day to stay inside. When the forecast looks more like an oven setting than a temperature, that's usually a wise decision.
The problem is that a few days indoors can quietly become a few weeks.
The good news? We don't have to become summer hermits just because the weather is trying to bake us like a potato.
For many of us, especially those living with chronic health conditions, avoiding the heat isn't optional. It's common sense. But while we're protecting ourselves from the desert sun, we can accidentally expose ourselves to something just as dangerous: social isolation.
Our brains were built for conversation, laughter, curiosity, and connection. Take those away for too long, and they begin to miss the workout. Research has shown that prolonged social isolation is associated with about a 50 percent greater risk of developing dementia and has also been linked to heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.¹²
Many of us have watched our circles grow smaller over the years. Friends move away. Some leave us far too soon. Summer adds another layer by convincing us we'll get together "next week," after it cools off. Before long, you've watched every detective series ever made, you're arguing with contestants on game shows, and your dog has started giving you that look that says, "I love you, but we both need a hobby."
Fortunately, staying connected doesn't require venturing out during triple-digit temperatures.
Some of the best conversations happen over a simple cup of coffee, even if it's shared over FaceTime or Zoom. Brew your favorite coffee, tea, or perhaps something a little stronger at cocktail hour, and catch up with someone you've been meaning to call. Host a virtual wine tasting. Watch a favorite movie together over the phone. Count down, "Three...two...one...play!" and don't forget the popcorn. It's almost like being at the movies, except nobody is talking through the best scenes.
If technology isn't your thing, that's perfectly fine. Pick up the telephone. Write a handwritten note. Invite a friend over for lunch, cards, dominoes, or a puzzle. Human connection existed long before Wi-Fi.
The cooler hours of the day are a gift. Head out just after sunrise or after sunset for a walk with a friend. It's good for your heart, your brain, and your mood. And don't underestimate hydration. Carry one bottle of cold water and tuck another frozen bottle into an insulated bag. If the desert decides to remind you who's really in charge, you'll be glad you planned ahead.
Summer can also become a season of renewal. Read that book you've been meaning to start. Try yoga, tai chi, creative writing, genealogy, or a virtual museum tour. There are countless online discussion groups, educational webinars, and lifelong learning classes that can introduce you to new ideas and new friends. Think of it as taking your brain to the gym.
Feed your body just as well. Colorful fruits and vegetables, plenty of water, and a Mediterranean style of eating continue to be associated with better heart and brain health.³ And don't forget your spirit. Whether it's prayer, meditation, gratitude, music, or simply enjoying a quiet sunrise before the desert remembers it's July, a few peaceful moments each day can do wonders.
One thing I've learned is that connection doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't require elaborate plans or expensive dinners. Sometimes it's simply hearing someone say, "I was thinking about you today." Those little moments often become the ones we remember most.
Palm Springs summers will always test our patience, our air conditioners, and our electric bills. They don't have to test our relationships.
Healthy aging isn't just about adding years to life. It's about adding life to those years, even when it's 115 degrees outside.
So here's my summer challenge. Every week, call one person you haven't spoken with in a while. Meet one friend, whether it's over coffee, on FaceTime, or during an early morning walk. Learn one new thing. Move your body every day. Then encourage someone else to do the same.
The desert may be relentless, but it doesn't get the last word. We do.
And before you know it, we'll all be complaining that it's only 82 degrees outside and wondering where we put our sweaters.
Growing older is inevitable. Growing older together is a choice.
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk of dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.
2. Guarnera, J., et al. The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation on Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults. A review of multiple studies found that prolonged social isolation is associated with approximately a 50 percent increased risk of developing dementia.
3. National Institute on Aging. Healthy Eating and the Mediterranean Eating Pattern. Research consistently links a Mediterranean style of eating with improved cardiovascular and cognitive health in older adults.
