The Importance of Social Connections
Social connections have the power to transform our individual and collective whole health and well-being. They can help decrease the risk of developing and worsening heart disease, anxiety, high blood pressure, dementia, depression, and diabetes. Prosperous and resilient communities thrive as a direct result of strong social connectedness.
what is social connection?
Social connection is the number, variety, and quality of relationships and interactions one has - and how well they meet that individual’s needs.
“Social Connection is like a garden, nurturing your connections can improve your garden’s health.”
Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General put together an Advisory focused on The Healing effects of Social Connection. This advisory used the best available science to help shed light on this epidemic of loneliness and isolation and to build solutions to combat its negative effects.
Here are the takeaways from the Advisory:
Humans are wired for social connection, but we have become more isolated over time.
Social connection is as essential to our long-term survival as food and water. Today, loneliness is more widespread than other major health issues in the U.S. Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation is a major public health concern.
Social connection significantly improves the health and well-being of all individuals.
Social connection reduces the risk of premature mortality. It can predict better physical and mental health outcomes and eases stress. Higher levels of connection can influence health-related behaviors. Educational and economic achievement are even impacted by connection.
Social connection is vital to community health and success.
Socially connected communities enjoy better population-level health. They are more prepared for - and resilient in the face - of disaster situations. They also experience greater economic prosperity and reduced levels of crime and violence.
Together, we can advance social connections and improve our nation’s public health.
Fostering social connection requires that we each commit to our relationships and communities. Our actions today can create sustainable changes in society and bring better health to all.
Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud understands the importance of social connectedness and works to foster positive and safe relationships and connections through our daily meal deliveries and well-check visits. Our volunteers are often the only daily social contact for many of our homebound neighbors and clients. This daily visit is essential for their health and well-being - not only because it comes with a nutritious life-sustaining meal, but it provides the human and social connection that is just as vital for survival.
If you would like more information about the importance of social connectedness and the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory Report, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website here.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy addresses our nation’s loneliness and isolation crisis and the healing effects of social connection.