The strong connections to neighbors, friends and wider community that characterize many Western Plains towns may play a key role in protecting mental health as we age, according to new Australian research.

A study by UNSW Sydney’s Center for Healthy Brain and Aging (CHeBA) found that social connections in later life are shaped more by environment and life experiences than by genetics, highlighting the importance of community-based interactions.

This study British Journal of Psychiatryanalyzed data from more than 560 twins aged 65 and over over a six-year period as part of the Australian Elderly Twin Study.

The most comprehensive aging research project.

Researchers have identified three main types of social connections. One is to spend time with friends, neighbors, and community. Interaction with family and childcare. Participation in a religious or community group.

All three have been found to be largely uninfluenced by genetics, meaning they are primarily shaped by a person’s environment and life experiences.

Lead researcher Dr Samtani, a social health expert, said the findings were encouraging.

“Social bonding is not strongly determined by genes, so it is highly modifiable,” Dr. Samtani says.

“This means that programs and policies designed to promote social engagement can make a real difference for older adults.”

Importantly, the study found that older adults who interacted more frequently with friends, neighbors, and community members had lower levels of depressive symptoms both at the beginning of the study and six years later.

Even small increases in social interaction were associated with measurable mental health benefits.

In many Western Plains communities, these findings often reflect everyday life, where social connections are embedded in daily activities and shared experiences.

In December, members of the Coonamble CWA Evening Branch set an example by traveling in three cars to Kalinda for an end-of-year gathering.

Choosing the hottest day of the year for the trip, members and friends gathered at the Kalinda pub, made famous by David Bowie where he filmed scenes for the film. let’s dance It is located there and is currently owned by the local tax collector Maz and his family.

The visit took place just a year after Kalinda was severely damaged by severe weather, but reconstruction efforts were still underway.

In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget the importance of social connections.

Chapter members said the trip was a reminder of the determination of a small community, an example of the country’s finest hospitality and a positive end to a busy and successful year.

Co-author Dr Anne Nicole Casey said the twin-based study design allowed researchers to better understand what really shapes later social life.

“Looking at twins is especially powerful because they share genetics and early environments. This allows us to see what is truly unique to an individual,” Dr. Casey said.

“This study reveals that what matters most is people’s own life experiences.”

She said social connections are dynamic and change over time, with friendships, family relationships, neighbors, and community groups all playing meaningful roles as we grow older.

Loneliness and social isolation are known risk factors for dementia, but this study found no strong evidence that social interactions predict changes in cognitive function over six years.

The researchers noted that larger studies and longer follow-up periods may be needed to detect more subtle cognitive effects.

As Australia’s population ages rapidly, researchers say it is increasingly important to understand what supports healthy aging.

Depression, anxiety and dementia remain leading causes of disability around the world, while social isolation continues to increase, particularly among older Australians.

The findings strengthen the case for community-focused programs, inclusive neighborhood designs, and services that actively foster connections, especially in rural areas where social interaction is often part of daily life.

“Encouraging older adults to join community groups, stay connected with neighbors, and participate in community life can be a powerful tool to support mental health,” Dr. Samtani said.

For Western Plains towns, this study reinforces the value of maintaining strong local networks, not only for community spirit, but also as a practical contribution to long-term mental health.