Exercise. Eat a balanced diet. Go to therapy. Most wellness advice is focused on achieving and maintaining good physical and mental health. But Harvard-trained social scientist and pioneering social health expert Kasley Killam reveals that this approach is missing a vital component: human connection.
Relationships not only make us happier, but also are critical to our overall health and longevity. Research shows that people with a strong sense of belonging are 2.6 times more likely to report good or excellent health. Perhaps even more astonishingly, people who lack social support are up to 53% more likely to die from any cause. Yet social health has been overlooked and under-appreciated – until now.
Just as we exercise our physical muscles, we can strengthen our social muscles. Weaving together cutting-edge science, mindset shifts, and practical wisdom, Killam offers the first methodology for how to be socially healthy. An antidote to the loneliness epidemic and an inspiring manifesto for seeing wellbeing as not only physical and mental, but also social, The Art and Science of Connection is a handbook for thriving.
The Art and Science of Connection will transform the way you think about each interaction with a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, and give you the tools you need to live a more connected and healthy life – whether you are an introvert or extrovert, if you feel stretched thin, and no matter your age or background. Along the way, Killam will reveal how a university student, a newlywed, a working professional, and a retired widow overcame challenges to thrive through connection – and how you can, too.
In our quest for optimal health, we often focus on physical fitness and mental wellbeing. We diligently count our steps, monitor our sleep, eat nutritious foods, and practice mindfulness. While these practices are undoubtedly beneficial, they overlook a crucial component of our overall health: social connection. This often-neglected aspect, known as social health, is emerging as a vital factor in our longevity, happiness, and overall quality of life.
What is Social Health?
Social health refers to the dimension of our wellbeing that stems from our relationships and interactions with others. It encompasses our ability to form and maintain meaningful connections, feel supported and valued within our communities, and navigate social institutions effectively. Unlike physical and mental health, which have long been recognized as essential components of wellbeing, social health has remained largely under-explored and under-appreciated.
The Alarming Decline in Social Connections
Recent decades have witnessed a concerning trend in social health across many societies. In the United States, for instance:
- The percentage of people with ten or more close friends has dropped by 20% over the past 30 years.
- Time spent alone has increased by an average of 24 hours per month over the past two decades.
- Participation in community activities has fallen by nearly 20% in the last ten years.
- A 2019 national survey revealed that about half of adults felt that no one knew them well.
This trend isn’t limited to the US. Globally, hundreds of millions of adults go for weeks without speaking to family or friends, and a significant portion of the world’s population lacks anyone to turn to for help.
The Health Implications of Social Disconnection
The consequences of this social disconnection are far-reaching and severe. Research has shown that lack of social connection can:
- Increase the risk of stroke by 32%
- Raise the risk of dementia by 50%
- Elevate the risk of early death by 29%
These statistics underscore the critical role that social connections play in our physical and mental health. In fact, strong social ties are as essential to our wellbeing as proper nutrition and regular exercise.
The Balance of Social Health
It’s important to note that social health isn’t just about quantity; quality matters too. An overwhelming amount of social interaction or unfulfilling connections can be equally detrimental. Many people struggle with finding the right balance, whether they’re introverts drained by excessive social obligations, extroverts spread too thin, or individuals grappling with the pressures of social media.
Recognizing the Crisis
The decline in social health, coupled with rising hate crimes, escalating polarization, and eroding trust between individuals, amounts to nothing less than a public health emergency. Recognizing this crisis, some governments and international organizations are taking action. The UK and Japan have appointed ministers for loneliness, while the World Health Organization has established a global Commission on Social Connection.
The Path Forward: Understanding and Improving Social Health
Author Kasley Killam has spent over a decade studying the concept of social health, building on the foundational work of scholar Robert D. Russell. In her book, The Art and Science of Connection, Killam offers a comprehensive exploration of social health and provides practical strategies for improvement.
The book is structured in three parts:
- Evaluating personal social health and understanding its importance
- Practical steps to enhance social health and navigate challenges
- Examining social health in various contexts, from neighborhoods to national policies
Killam’s work serves as both a guide for individuals seeking to improve their social wellbeing and a call to action for society to prioritize connection and community.
Practical Steps to Improve Social Health
While the concept of social health may seem abstract, there are concrete steps we can take to improve it:
- Evaluate your current social connections and identify areas for improvement.
- Make a conscious effort to maintain and deepen existing relationships.
- Seek out new connections through community activities, shared interests, or volunteer work.
- Practice active listening and empathy in your interactions.
- Balance your social interactions with alone time for self-reflection and recharging.
- Limit excessive or unfulfilling social media use in favor of more meaningful in-person interactions.
- Address conflicts and misunderstandings promptly and constructively.
- Cultivate a sense of belonging within your community.
A Call for a Social Health Movement
Killam’s book is more than just a self-help guide; it’s a manifesto for a movement centered on the practice of social health. The author argues that this concept should not be confined to academic discussions but should be embraced and experienced by everyone, woven into the fabric of our society.
By recognizing social health as an essential component of overall wellbeing, alongside physical and mental health, we can work towards creating a more connected, resilient, and healthy society. This shift in perspective has the potential to not only improve individual lives but also address broader societal issues such as loneliness, polarization, and community breakdown.
As we continue to navigate an increasingly complex and often isolating world, prioritizing our social health becomes more crucial than ever. By fostering meaningful connections, building supportive communities, and recognizing the profound impact of our social ties, we can unlock a powerful tool for enhancing our overall health, happiness, and longevity. It’s time to bring social health to the forefront of our personal and collective wellbeing strategies.
Part of a regular series on 27gen, entitled Wednesday Weekly Reader.
During my elementary school years one of the things I looked forward to the most was the delivery of “My Weekly Reader,” a weekly educational magazine designed for children and containing news-based current events.
It became a regular part of my love for reading, and helped develop my curiosity about the world around us.
27gen.com 