WATERTOWN, MA – Loneliness and isolation are more than feelings—they’re public health challenges with severe mental and physical consequences. As Dr. Jay Gorman, a clinical research psychologist with the Bedford VA, explained, “Loneliness is a subjective feeling that we have less social connection than we want… Isolation is the objective, real-time lack of social interaction.” Both issues are associated with a host of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety, and depression. “If we are isolated and lonely, it can increase our risk of early death by 29%,” Gorman noted.

To address these challenges, Watertown will host weekly veteran-focused coffee socials, starting January 8, 2025.

Hosted by peer Veterans from VA Bedford Healthcare System in coordination with Watertown Veterans’ Services and the Watertown Housing Authority, the initiative aims to build connections and improve veterans’ well-being. The gatherings will take place at 100 Warren Street in the Watertown Housing Authority’s community room from 10:00 to 11:30 AM.

Patrick George, Watertown’s Veteran Services Officer, highlighted the impact of the program, saying, “I hope that… we can bring the VA, bring the VSOs to the veterans… and really help them receive the compensation that’s going to support them and allow them to continue to enjoy their lives.” He added, “This is a great opportunity for us to coordinate and work with our partners in the community and have a successful event.”

This initiative builds on a successful national model, with 134 veteran socials launched across 25 states. “Seventy-five percent of individuals who join a veterans social at some point have social contact with those people outside of the social,” Gorman explained, underscoring the long-term impact of these connections.

The coffee socials will be veteran-led, starting with a simple cup of coffee and evolving based on participants’ interests. “It’s just a place where veterans, where they live, can meet other veterans… This is the community’s activity, and this is their social,” Gorman emphasized.

For those in other communities looking to replicate this model, resources are readily available. Gorman shared, “We have a quick start guide that anyone can download… You can call us at (781) 879-6587 or email VHABedVoices@va.gov.”

As George concluded, “This is a great opportunity to allow the veterans in the community to understand that there is a place they can go… and at least start with a cup of coffee and find somebody that they maybe didn’t know or haven’t seen in a while.”

Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend and take the first step toward building lasting connections.

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