Social Health…
The Five Pillars of Health
Physical
Mental
Spiritual
Social
Financial
“Man is by nature a social animal…”
Of the five pillars of health, it is no surprise that social health is weighed heavily for our personal concept of “well-being.” We care deeply for our loved ones and gauge our quality of life on those people we care about most. We are social animals and need to care for others (and want to be cared for). While this is something we “know,” it is interesting to see how this has a true objective impact on our health and longevity. While “living long” does not measure the quality of one’s life, if behaviours promote a longer life we can appreciate that it supports general well-being.
The data from a meta-analysis involving >300,000 individuals is incredible, illustrating that our social well-being may, in fact, be even more important than we realize for our health:
The study estimated that older people with adequate social relationships have a 50% greater likelihood of survival when compared with those who are isolated or have poor social relationships. They further estimated that people who have regular contact with friends, family, and neighbors have a survival advantage comparable in magnitude with kicking the smoking habit and about twice as large as the longevity benefit that comes from exercising regularly or maintaining a normal weight [1].
Wow.
Incredible findings. Relating it to our pillars of health, there are obvious spin-off benefits to social health. Typically, with social engagement we will be more physically active, more mentally engaged, with an increased probability of spirituality or spiritual involvement (i.e. church or other social gatherings).
The research on Blue Zones, identified areas where groups of individuals regularly reach the age of 100, further emphasizes the importance of social connectedness. In all of the currently identified zones, there is a consistent pattern of social interconnectedness [2].
Okay, great. We confirmed that it’s important. What next?
Despite our increased access to the large world around us, true social connectedness is hard to come by. And, unfortunately, in much of the Western world, we’ve adopted a social policy that is individualistic with little appreciation for our elders. Younger people are struggling to connect on meaningful personal levels and older people are often disconnected from family members and loved ones. Our current world with COVID-19 further alienates us from those we care about.
“This society eliminates geographical distance only to produce a new internal separation.”
The biggest health issue in America today is not heart disease, cancer, diabetes, smoking or obesity. According to Dr. Vivek Murthy, the previous Surgeon General of the United States, it is the effects that come from feeling lonely and socially disconnected. In fact, he has even written a book to help address this problem [3].
It's not all grim though.
Social media, like instant messaging and networking sites online, present opportunities for many of us to be engaged and can broaden our world to others. While social media interaction with others does not replace person to person relationships, it can provide value, especially if approached with positivity and intention.
Furthermore, there is more and more research looking into the benefits of human-animal interactions. There seems to be a number of therapeutic, physical, psychological, and social benefits of pet companionship. Not only are pets something we love and care for, they provide a real sense of purpose and create more structure for our day.
In May 2013, the American Heart Association (AHA) released a scientific statement associating pet ownership with reduced heart disease risk factors and greater longevity [4].
And here’s some additional ideas on improving your social health:
Maintain contact with existing friends and reconnect with your old friends. Make an effort to carve out time to be with the people you care about.
Remember that it’s not the quantity of social relationships but the quality that really matters. Someone more introverted may need only one confidante, while an extrovert may feel they need two or more to feel fulfilled.
If you use social media, use it as a way station (as noted above, use it with intention!); use Facebook so that you can meet up somewhere. If it’s used as a destination, as a place to withdraw socially and interact as a non-authentic self, it can deepen your sense of loneliness and isolation.
Create a setting where people can let their guards down and safely confide in each other. Practice speaking about your feelings with authenticity and listening to others non-judgmentally and with empathy and compassion.
One of the best ways to forge and maintain friendships is through built-in regularity — something you can plan around that is always on the schedule at least twice a month – perhaps meeting with your support group on a regular basis, or gathering around the table to play games, or planning an activity with family or friends that requires preparation and training together, such as a challenging hike [5].
Remember that we are all social animals and we can all do our part every day to connect with those around us. Be kind, caring, and be the difference you want to see in the world.
Stay tuned next week as we discuss another topic in our Pillars of Health series.
-Tyler
References:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/social-relationships-and-longevity#:~:text=On%20the%20basis%20of%20their,or%20have%20poor%20social%20relationships
https://www.naplesnews.com/story/news/2017/03/01/mental-fitness-study-shows-seniors-stay-healthier-social-connections/98520962/
https://www.vivekmurthy.com/together-book
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/why-having-a-pet-is-good-for-your-health
https://blog.hif.com.au/mental-health/what-is-social-health-definitions-examples-and-tips-on-improving-your-social-wellness