How Social Connection Can Make You Live Longer
Recently, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy testified that “loneliness in the U.S. poses health risks as deadly as smoking up to 15 cigarettes daily.” In a Yahoo News article, it was said that loneliness is a feeling just as common as hunger or thirst, and during the pandemic, that feeling worsened.
Fortunately, however, there’s a fairly easy fix.
In the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, there are several key takeaways:
1. Humans are wired for social connection, but we’ve become more isolated over time.
2. Social connection significantly improves the health and well-being of all individuals.
3. Social connection is vital to community health and success.
Since optimal human health and longevity call for social connection, we owe it to ourselves to explore why and understand how we can do better at staying connected as we age.
In this article, we’re going to give you a brief overview of the Surgeon General’s findings as listed in the advisory, as well as tips on how to stay socially connected.
What is Social Connection?
According to the advisory, “social connection can encompass the interactions, relationships, roles, and sense of connection individuals, communities, or society may experience.” Social connection generally has three categories:
Structure The number of relationships, variety of relationships (co-worker, friend, family, neighbor), and the frequency of interactions with others.
Function Degree to which others can be relied upon for various needs.
Quality The degree to which relationships and interactions with others are positive, helpful, or satisfying.
What Factors Shape Social Connection?
A lot of factors can influence how socially connected a person is. According to the Surgeon General’s advisory, the social-ecological model can help us understand individual, relational, communal, and societal factors that shape social connection. Each of these categories has several elements:
Individual
· Chronic disease
· Sensory and functional impairments
· Mental health
Relationships
· Structure, function, and quality
· Household size
· Characteristics and behaviors of others
Community
· Outdoor space
· Housing
· Schools
Society
· Norms and values
· Public policies
· Tech environment and use
View the full list on page 17 of the advisory.
Simply put, “social connection is more than a personal issue. The structural and social characteristics of the community produce the settings in which people build, maintain, and grow their social networks.”
Who is at Higher Risk for Social Disconnection?
While any individual of any age or background can experience loneliness, there are some groups at higher risk than others.
From the advisory: “...currently, studies find the highest prevalence for loneliness and isolation among people with poor physical or mental health, disabilities, financial insecurity, those who live alone, single parents, as well as younger and older populations.”
How We Can Advance Social Connection
There are a lot of ways society can become more connected. Here are some tips from the Surgeon General:
1. Strengthen social infrastructure in local communities
2. Enact pro-connection public policies
3. Mobilize the health sector
4. Reform digital environments
5. Deepen our knowledge
6. Build a culture of connection
As individuals, it is important to understand the power of social connection, invest time in relationships, minimize distraction during conversation, actively engage with people outside of our normal circle, and seek help if we’re feeling lonely or need help.
One way to advance your social connectivity is by living in a luxury senior living community that offers plenty of activities and opportunities for social interaction. Being surrounded by like-minded people, people who might think differently than you, and people who support you can be extremely beneficial for your mental health and reduce the risk of loneliness.
The Aspenwood Company Can Help Reduce the Feeling of Loneliness
With society being more disconnected than ever, it is important to make intentional decisions that will improve your health. Living in a senior living community can be a great way to live life connected, make new friends, and meet people who can expand your horizons.
At The Aspenwood Company, we know life gets richer and better as you age, and we believe that feeling should never end.
Our communities are the standard of luxurious living for mature adults. You will find our properties in the most sought-after locations, in the middle of culture and activity, where a vibrant lifestyle surrounds you. We’ve spent 25 years fine-tuning every detail of luxurious living so that our residents enjoy a new sense of freedom and fulfillment.
There’s luxury, and then there is Aspenwood luxury.
In order to become a member of an Aspenwood luxury community, mature adults will face some hard, but important decisions. Be assured that our team is trustworthy and compassionate, and ready to serve you. We are here to provide encouragement, support, and helpful information.
You have the opportunity to pursue and experience freedom like never before. It’s time to experience the laughter, the energy, the activity, the friendly faces, and the caring people of The Aspenwood Company. It’s time to Live Life Well®