June 2026
What makes people happy and healthy as they age? According to the popular TED Talk “The Secret to a Happy Life: Lessons from 8 Decades of Research,” the answer is simple: strong relationships. Researchers followed hundreds of people over many decades and found that close connections with family, friends and community members were one of the biggest factors in living a happier, longer life.
This finding is especially important for older adults. As we age, life changes. Children grow up and move away. Friends and loved ones may pass on. Health concerns or limited mobility can make it harder to get out and stay connected. Over time, many older adults find themselves spending more time alone.
While occasional solitude can be peaceful, ongoing loneliness can have a serious impact on physical and emotional health. Studies have linked loneliness and social isolation to higher rates of heart disease, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline and other health concerns. That’s why finding opportunities to connect with others is so important.
At PACE Southeast Michigan, creating those opportunities for connection is at the heart of what we do. Every day, participants come together to enjoy activities, share meals, support one another, and build meaningful friendships. For many participants, our centers become a second home.
For participants Cathy and Richard, those connections led to something truly special.
Just over a year ago, Cathy and Richard met at our Dearborn center through the PACE Southeast Michigan program. Like many participants, they spent time together attending activities and events, sharing meals and getting to know one another. They visited the farmers market where they received free fruits and vegetables, and the senior Olympics where Cathy cheered Richard on.
They’ve also helped each other stay consistent with healthy habits. Whether it was making healthier food choices or working toward weight loss goals, they enjoyed having someone to share the journey with. As they spent more time together, their friendship continued to grow.
What Cathy didn’t realize was that Richard had fallen in love.
One day, Richard shared how he felt.
“I’ve been in love with you for months,” he told her.
Not long afterward, Richard decided it was time to take the next step. He looked at Cathy and simply said, “Marry me.”
Cathy’s response came without hesitation.
“I thought that was the plan!” she replied.
In May, Cathy and Richard celebrated this new chapter with a party at our Dearborn center. Staff members and fellow participants gathered to celebrate the happy couple with cake, laughter and plenty of love. The event was filled with joy and served as a reminder of the strong sense of community that exists within PACE Southeast Michigan.
For Cathy, it was important that her PACE family be part of the celebration. After 11 years with the program, she has built lasting relationships with both staff and fellow participants. In fact, she asked her homecare worker, Annette, to serve as her maid of honor.
“PACE is a family affair,” Cathy said.
While not everyone who joins PACE will find a spouse, Cathy and Richard’s story highlights something that everyone deserves: connection. Whether it’s finding a new friend, joining a favorite activity, sharing a conversation over lunch, or simply having people who care, meaningful relationships can make life richer and more enjoyable.
At PACE Southeast Michigan, we’re proud to provide more than healthcare and support services. We create opportunities for participants to stay engaged, build friendships and experience a sense of belonging. These connections help combat loneliness and support healthy aging.
As Cathy puts it, “We’re here to live.”
Her story with Richard reminds us that meaningful connections can happen at any stage of life. Through friendship, community and support, older adults can continue to create new memories and enjoy life to the fullest.
That’s the power of connection, something we celebrate every day at PACE Southeast Michigan.
Call 855-445-4554 to connect with a member of our team.