Why Community and Connection Matter So Much for Women Over 40

Feb 20

I have always been a strong believe in community. I don’t believe we were not put on this earth to weather a storm alone. In the words of Mother Teresa, “Together we can do great things”.

There is something that happens in this season of life.

We are raising teenagers, supporting aging parents, managing careers, navigating hormonal shifts, and often quietly carrying more than anyone realizes.

And yet, many women feel deeply alone.

As a holistic nutrition practitioner working with women over 40, I see this every day. We talk about gut health, blood sugar, cortisol, perimenopause symptoms, and energy levels. But underneath so many of those conversations is something even more foundational.

Connection.

Community is not just “nice to have.” It is biologically protective. It is hormonally regulating. It is essential.

The Science Behind Community and Women’s Health

Research consistently shows that strong social connection improves mental and physical health outcomes.

Studies have found that meaningful relationships are associated with:

Lower rates of depression and anxiety
Reduced cortisol levels and stress response
Better immune function
Improved cardiovascular health
Increased longevity

In fact, social isolation has been shown to increase the risk of premature mortality at rates comparable to smoking and obesity.

For women in perimenopause and midlife, this matters even more.

During hormonal shifts, estrogen fluctuations can impact mood, sleep, stress resilience, and even how we metabolize blood sugar. When we feel unsupported or isolated, our nervous system stays activated. Chronic stress raises cortisol, disrupts digestion, and worsens symptoms like anxiety, weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog.

Connection regulates the nervous system.

Belonging lowers stress.

Feeling seen and understood is medicine.

Why So Many Women Feel Isolated in Midlife

This stage of life can quietly shrink our world.

Children become more independent. Careers become demanding. Friendships drift. Bodies change. Energy shifts. We sometimes feel like we should “have it all together,” which makes it harder to admit when we don’t.

And if you’re navigating perimenopause symptoms, gut issues, or mental health challenges, it can feel even more isolating.

But here’s what I want you to know:

You were never meant to do this alone.

Women thrive in circles. We regulate through conversation. We heal through shared experience.

Leaning Into Community Is Strength

Having people you can call when you need support, whether that is help with something practical or simply someone to talk to, changes your health trajectory.

It improves outlook.

It builds resilience.

It reminds you that you are not the only one feeling this way.

When women gather, something powerful happens. We normalize each other’s struggles. We celebrate small wins. We breathe deeper.

And that shift impacts our hormones, our stress response, and our overall wellbeing.

Finding Your Community in This Season of Life

You may already have beautiful people in your life. If so, nurture those relationships intentionally.

If you don’t, it is never too late to grow your circle.

Here are gentle ways to begin:

Reach out to an old friend you have been thinking about
Join a local group aligned with your interests
Try a hobby that puts you in shared space with others
Participate in a support group, in person or online
Say yes to something that feels slightly outside your comfort zone

Connection takes time to deepen, but it begins with small courage.

The Power of Movement and Community:

Fox Fleet

One of the greatest joys in my own life is helping lead our monthly women’s only Fox Fleet run club through the Abbotsford Trail Running Club.

We gather on the trails here in Abbotsford and throughout the Fraser Valley. We move our bodies. We breathe fresh air. We talk about life, parenting, stress, menopause, business, and everything in between. No matter the weather, we show up for one another.

It is not about pace. We call it party paced.

It is not about competition. We run as a group.

It is about connection. Women supporting women.

And I have watched firsthand what happens when women show up consistently.

Confidence grows.

Mental clarity improves.

Stress softens.

Friendships form.

Movement amplifies the benefits of community. Exercise increases endorphins and supports insulin sensitivity, while shared experience strengthens emotional resilience.

It is holistic health in motion, and I am here for it all.

Community Is a Foundational Part of Holistic Wellness

When I work with women inside my nutrition programs, we focus on:

Blood sugar regulation
Gut healing
Hormone balance
Stress reduction
Sustainable lifestyle shifts

But true transformation happens when women feel supported.

Healing accelerates when you feel understood.

If you are struggling with perimenopause symptoms, low energy, mood swings, digestive issues, or weight changes, yes, we look at the science. We analyze bloodwork. We build strategic nutrition plans.

But we also build support.

Because your nervous system, your hormones, and your metabolism respond to safety and belonging.