If loneliness is the problem, community is the antidote.
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Experts have spoken at length about the importance of physical health. If we don't exercise and eat a healthy diet, we are at risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. The concept of mental health has also been normalized, and with it, therapy and other preventive approaches. It's time to shine a spotlight on another aspect of health that has yet to penetrate our everyday vocabulary: social health.
The pandemic of loneliness
There is a global pandemic. If you haven't heard yet, it's not your fault. This pandemic has been progressing silently, behind closed doors. In fact, it is a public health crisis defined by isolation — a pandemic of loneliness.
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Loneliness itself is not new, but its extent and prevalence are. People are becoming increasingly lonely, and while certain groups are particularly vulnerable, this trend is seen across all age groups and continents. The COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary but strict social distancing measures adopted in many countries have only exacerbated the situation, igniting a problem that had been simmering just below the surface.
The alarm bells are finally starting to ring. In 2018, the UK announced the world's first government strategy dedicated to tackling loneliness. Japan followed suit in 2021, appointing a “Minister for Loneliness” to tackle the issue. Since then, the US has joined the ranks of countries that have put loneliness on their official policy agenda. And finally, in late 2023, the World Health Organization launched a commission to combat global social isolation (a lack of social connections) and loneliness (the subjective experience of a lack of meaningful human relationships).
Understanding Social Health
So what is “social health” and why should we care about it? Essentially, it's a measure of someone's well-being from a social perspective. Just as we use “physical health” to understand how we are physically, “social health” refers to how we are doing socially. It's about the quantity and quality of relationships in our lives, and whether our deep-rooted desire for relationships is being met.
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Recent research offers an intuitive understanding of this idea. The authors introduce their work with a quote from William James, a psychologist active in the late 1800s.
“I can think of no more cruel punishment, if it were physically possible, than to be let loose upon society and to remain totally unnoticed by all its members. If no one turned to look when we entered, no one answered when we spoke, no one cared what we were doing; if everyone we met just “dismissed” us and acted as if we did not exist, a kind of rage and impotent despair would soon arise which would relieve us from the most cruel physical tortures, for it would give us the feeling that, however terrible our plight may be, we had not fallen so low as to be unworthy of notice.”
The above scenario is the most extreme example of social unhealthiness. No one even acknowledges your existence. There are no meaningful connections, let alone relationships. It is no coincidence that solitary confinement is considered one of the harshest punishments. We all understand, whether implicitly or not, that human connection is crucial. And being deprived of this need has serious negative effects.
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Strong social health, on the other hand, is characterized by feeling recognized and heard, and by having a community in which one feels integrated and can trust.
It's important to note that unlike physical or mental health, social health exists on a spectrum and can change over time. For example, moving to a new city may result in a decline in your social health while you build new relationships and connections. On the other hand, the addition of a new park to your neighborhood may improve your social health, even if you already have a rich network of friends.
Strategies to improve the health of society
In an increasingly divided world, loneliness and social isolation have emerged as pressing public health concerns. Governments, health organizations, and urban planners are recognizing the significant impact this issue has on mental and physical health and are exploring different strategies to tackle the issue.
One promising approach is to strengthen social infrastructure through investments in public spaces like parks, libraries, and community centers. These shared spaces foster social interaction and connection, providing opportunities for people to come together, participate in activities, and build meaningful relationships. Additionally, implementing school-based programs that teach healthy relationship skills and designing workplaces that promote social connections can foster a culture of connection starting at an early age.
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Research has shown the effectiveness of a range of intervention strategies, with group interventions, animal therapy and technology-based interventions showing particular promise. Group sessions encourage active participation and interaction, and animal therapy has proven highly effective in reducing feelings of loneliness, especially in long-term care settings. Technology interventions such as videoconferencing have also helped maintain social connections, especially for older adults.
Urban design itself also plays an important role in mitigating or exacerbating loneliness and social isolation. Walkable neighborhoods, access to public transport, and proximity to green spaces are all linked to reduced feelings of loneliness. These features encourage people to spend time outdoors, interact with others, and participate in social activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Conversely, poorly designed urban environments characterized by high density, lack of shared spaces, and inadequate maintenance can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness.
summary
The power of the social health concept lies in its power to shift our attention from treatment to prevention. Right now, the debate is about how to help people who are already lonely. What we should be discussing are the steps we can take to prevent or minimize the number of people who end up lonely in the first place. Public health is most effective when it prioritizes prevention measures, and that is no different when it comes to loneliness.
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Yet continuing to address the challenges of loneliness and social isolation requires a multifaceted approach that combines policy interventions, community-based programs, and thoughtful urban design. By fostering social connections, promoting healthy relationships, and creating environments that encourage interaction and engagement, we can build more resilient and connected communities where no one feels alone.
