Sharing Knowledge, Sharing Friendship

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Monday through Friday our members choose from a wide spectrum of stimulating classes, informative lectures, speaker series, hands-on workshops, volunteer opportunities, and social events which sustain the physical, intellectual, and social dimensions of life.  Other services encompass women’s and men’s groups as well as wellness sessions for the mind, body, and soul such as tai chi, yoga, meditation, exercise for seniors, pilates, dance fitness, and nutrition.  Our chef serves lunch weekdays and prepares the menus and offerings for special events.

Being a community and a family has been Hamilton House's identity since its founding in 1972. Lifelong learning in a distinctly social, family-like atmosphere was the original concept and it remains our mission today. The impact on our membership is remarkable.

The impact of our mission aligns with continuing and emerging research that is being pursued by scientists affiliated with the National Institute on Aging. Individuals are social creatures our relationships to others enable us to live and thrive. But, as we age, many of us are alone more often than when we were younger, leaving us susceptible to social isolation and loneliness. According to scientist Elizabeth Nielsen, Ph.D., of the National Institute on Aging, . . ."the NIA is interested in exploring potential interventions to address social isolation and loneliness, which are both risk factors for poor aging outcomes."*

Findings from a growing body of research has associated social isolation and loneliness and older people to higher susceptibility to a variety of physical and mental conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diminished immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease. Those who find themselves alone due to the death of a spouse or partner, disconnection from family or friends, retirement, loss of mobility, and absence of transportation are at distinct risk. In contrast those older individuals who involve themselves in worthwhile, beneficial activities with others tend to live longer, improve their mood, and have a sense of purpose. Studies indicate that these activities seem to help regulate their well-being and may enhance their cognitive function.

According to Steve Cole, Ph.D., Director of the Social Genomics Core Laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles, who studies this physiological cause of loneliness and researches social and psychological interventions to oppose it, "Loneliness acts as a fertilizer for other diseases. The biology of loneliness can accelerate the buildup of plaque in arteries, help cancer cells grow and spread and promote inflammation in the brain leading to Alzheimer's disease. Loneliness promotes several different types of wear and tear on the body."*

Hamilton House's lively social and educational network encourages an environment for our members to build community and thrive. We believe that this has a valuable impact on both our members and the larger Rhode Island and southern New England community.

*Source information derived from the National Institute on Aging, Featured Research Bulletin, "Social Isolation, Loneliness in Older People Pose Health Risks." Published April 23, 2019.