Social Connection and Your Health
The human body is incredibly complex. All parts work together and affect one another, including your mental well-being. In a 2023 advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy referred to loneliness and isolation as an epidemic. That became increasingly evident during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. How could this impact your health, and what steps can you take to improve your overall well-being?
Merriam-Webster defines loneliness as a feeling of sadness from being alone. Likely, all of us have experienced this feeling from time to time. While loneliness is an emotion, social isolation is an observable condition in which someone has few relationships and infrequent interactions. Both are critical personal and public health concerns.
It seems evident that loneliness and isolation negatively affect mental health. In these situations, individuals lack the support and connection vital to well-being. Certain groups are at higher risk for social isolation, including those with chronic health conditions, mental health issues, disabilities, financial insecurities, individuals who live alone, single parents, minority groups, young people, and older adults. Hearing loss can also significantly reduce quality of life, often leading to poor communication, misunderstanding, frustration, and ultimately, withdrawal and isolation. It is also a risk factor for dementia. Talk with your healthcare provider if you or a family member struggles with hearing loss.
The impact of loneliness and isolation goes far beyond mental health. One of the strongest connections to physical health decline is seen in heart disease and stroke. Lacking social connection can be as dangerous as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day (U.S. Surgeon General, 2023). Childhood isolation has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar levels later in life. Loneliness and isolation can also accelerate the progression of dementia in older adults. The more social support one has, the lower the risk of developing and dying from chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and infectious diseases.
Healthcare organizations often screen patients for their level of social connection during office visits. Social connections can positively or negatively affect an individual’s ability to manage everyday life and complex health conditions. Talking with your healthcare provider about loneliness helps them understand your unique situation and offer personalized recommendations.
In a world where information and connection are at our fingertips, society is more disconnected than ever. Cell phones and social media certainly play a role, but research shows that our social networks and participation have been declining for decades. The most significant reductions are noted among teens and young adults. There are fewer face-to-face interactions, and memberships in organizations have declined. Connectedness is influenced by individual personality traits, but communities and organizations can help by forming supportive policies, enhancing physical environments, and encouraging behavioral change.
You can take steps to improve and enrich your life through social connection. One of the first is understanding the importance of nurturing the relationships you already have. Strong interpersonal relationships can protect against depression, anxiety, suicide, and self-harm. What opportunities do you have to support your current relationships and develop new ones? This is a great time to get involved in your community, workplace, school, or neighborhood. Sharing kindness, empathy, and gratitude brings incredible benefits to your life and those around you. Who shows up for you when you need them? How do you support them in return?
Volunteering is a great way to stay connected, help others, and find a meaningful activity. Choose a hobby or activity you enjoy and look for others who share your interests— schedule time to call, message, video chat, or meet up with friends and family. Explore programming at your school, civic group, community or senior center, public library, or faith-based organization.
Life is better when we spend it together. Science supports this fact. Smile at a stranger. Put your phone away while talking with someone. Join a club or group, meet up with a friend, or start a conversation with a neighbor. Take action today to strengthen your social connections and protect your health.
Sources:
U.S. Surgeon General. (2023). Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation. The U. S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and the Community. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
Griffiths, T. D., Lad, M., Kumar, S., Holmes, E., McMurray, B., Maguire, E. A., Billig, A. J., & Sedley, W. (2020). How Can Hearing Loss Cause Dementia?. Neuron, 108(3), 401–412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2020.08.003
NIH. (2024). National Institute on Aging. Loneliness and Social Isolation-Tips for Staying Connected. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected
Merriam-Webster. (2025). Dictionary. Loneliness. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lonely