Social connection

 

 Introduction 

     In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the significance of social connections cannot be overstated. Beyond providing emotional support and a sense of belonging, social connections have a profound impact on our overall health and wellness. Numerous studies have highlighted the vital role of these connections in promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. From enhancing longevity to boosting immune function, let us delve into the transformative power of social connections on our health.

     When people are socially connected and have stable and supportive relationships, they are more likely to make healthy choices and to have better mental and physical health outcomes. They are also better able to cope with hard times, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Characteristics of Social Connectedness

1. The number, variety, and types of relationships a person has.

2. Having meaningful and regular social exchanges.

3. Sense of support from friends, families, and others in the             community.

4.Sense of belonging.

5. Having close bonds with others.

6. Feeling loved, cared for, valued, and appreciated by others.

7. Having more than 1 person to turn to for support. This includes emotional support when feeling down, and physical support, like getting a ride to the doctor or grocery store, or getting help with childcare on short notice.

Access to safe public areas to gather (such as parks and recreation centers).

How to improve your social connections.

1. Feeling lonely is hard to cope with. Luckily, there are things you can do to tackle loneliness. For instance, you can nurture healthy relationships with people who make you feel good by spending time with them, and by trying to talk to someone every day.

There are 3 kinds of connections that you can have with people:

1.1  intimate connections – with people who love and care for you, such as family and friends

1.2  relational connections – with people who you see regularly and share an interest with, such as workmates or those who serve your morning coffee

1.3  collective connections – with people who share a group membership or an affiliation with you, such as people who vote like you do, or people who have the same faith.

Ask yourself: do you have meaningful, long-term relationships in all these 3 areas?

2. Perhaps you tend to stick with old friends and don’t feel able to meet new people. Or maybe you avoid people from your past, preferring to mix with people who don’t know much about you. Be honest with yourself about your social habits.

3. Think about the sorts of relationships you have with people, and the sorts of relationships you would like to have. You might find you want to make new friendships, or perhaps you want to try to make your existing relationships stronger.

4. One way to strengthen your social connections is to reach out to the people you already know, such as co-workers, family, school friends or neighbours. Give someone a call, or write or email them and let them know you would like to be in touch more often. Arrange to have a coffee or a meal, or to listen to music, have a round of golf or play chess. Think about the interests you share. Facebook and other social media are also great ways to stay in touch.

Health Benefits of Social Connectedness

People with stronger social bonds have a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those who have fewer social connections.

Social connection can help prevent serious illness and outcomes, like:

Heart disease.

Stroke.

Dementia.

Depression and anxiety.

Social connection with others can help:

:  Improve your ability to recover from stress, anxiety, and depression.

:  Promote healthy eating, physical activity, and weight.

Improve sleep, well-being, and quality of life.

Reduce your risk of violent and suicidal behaviors.

Prevent death from chronic diseases

Community Health

#. There are other benefits of social connectedness beyond individual health. Social connectedness can also help create trust and resilience within communities.8

#. A sense of community belonging and supportive and inclusive connections in our neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, workplaces, and other settings are associated with a variety of positive outcomes.19 Having supportive and inclusive relationships:

#. Helps communities thrive and support the overall well-being, health, safety, and resilience of communities.

May encourage people to give back to their communities, which may further strengthen those connections.20

Physical Health Benefits

   Social connections have been linked to several physical health benefits. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals with strong social ties have a reduced risk of developing chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. A robust social support network promotes healthy behaviours such as regular exercise, better sleep patterns, and healthier eating habits, thereby lowering the incidence of lifestyle-related diseases. Additionally, social engagement has been found to improve cardiovascular health by reducing stress levels and enhancing heart function.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

   Human beings are inherently social creatures, and our mental and emotional well-being greatly relies on social connections. Strong social ties contribute to positive mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Interacting with others and having meaningful relationships provides a sense of purpose, boosts self-esteem, and fosters a more positive outlook on life. Moreover, social connections act as a buffer against stress, helping individuals cope better with challenging situations and reducing the risk of mental health disorders.

Longevity and Aging

   Research suggests that social connections play a vital role in promoting longevity and healthy aging. Studies conducted on various populations worldwide consistently reveal that individuals with robust social networks tend to live longer. Social support networks provide a sense of purpose and meaning, contributing to a higher quality of life in older adults. The emotional and practical support from social connections helps alleviate the impact of age-related challenges, such as chronic illnesses, cognitive decline, and mobility issues. Active social engagement also stimulates cognitive function and preserves brain health, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Immune System and Healing Believe it or not, social connections can directly impact our immune system. Research indicates that social isolation and loneliness can compromise immune function and increase susceptibility to infections and diseases. Conversely, positive social interactions and emotional support have been shown to enhance immune system activity and promote faster recovery from illness or surgery. Social connections release hormones, such as oxytocin, that reduce inflammation andimprove immune response. This underscores the importance of social connections in bolstering our body's defense mechanisms and facilitating healing.

Boost your Mental Health:

   Friendships offer a number of mental health benefits, such as increased feelings of belonging, purpose, and confidence, amplified levels of happiness, reduced levels of stress, and improved self-worth. A study conducted at a free health clinic in Buffalo, New York found that respondents with insufficient perceived social support were the most likely to suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Help you Live Longer:

Research has shown that social connections not only impact your mental health, but your physical well-being as well. A review of 148 studies (308,849 participants) indicated that the individuals with stronger social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival. This remained true across a number of factors, including age, sex, initial health status, and cause of death.

Promoting Healthy Behaviors

   Social connections have a profound influence on our lifestyle choices. Humans are highly

influenced by the behaviours and attitudes of those around them. Having a supportive social

network that prioritizes health and wellness encourages individuals to adopt and maintain

healthy habits. For instance, engaging in physical activities with friends or participating in

group-based wellness programs can increase adherence and enjoyment, leading to long-term

positive outcomes. Furthermore, social connections provide accountability and motivation, making it easier to quit unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.

    In a world where technological advancements often lead to feelings of disconnection and

isolation, nurturing and maintaining social connections is more important than ever. The impact of social connections on our health and wellness cannot be understated. From physical health benefits to mental and emotional well-being, longevity, immune system enhancement, and the promotion of healthy behaviours, our social connections truly have the power to transform our lives. It is crucial to prioritize building and nurturing meaningful relationships, as they contribute significantly to our overall well-being and quality of life. So, let us celebrate the power of social connections and invest in cultivating strong bonds that enrich our lives and help us thrive.

Impact of loneliness on health

:-  Loneliness can have dramatic consequences for your health. Loneliness can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, elevated blood pressure, and increased cortisol (a stress hormone). It can affect your immune system and decrease your overall sense of contentment. Loneliness is also a risk factor for antisocial behaviour, depression and suicide.

:-  Older people are particularly vulnerable. If your mobility decreases, it can be harder to get together with other people. However, older people who remain connected with others and have strong relationships are likely to:

:-  have a better quality of life

be more satisfied with their life

have a lower risk of dementia and mental decline

need less domestic support.

Younger people (teenagers and people in their 20s) are also at risk when they are isolated. A lack of social relationships can have a direct impact on a young person’s physical wellbeing by increasing the risk of obesity, inflammation and high blood pressure.

:-  These 3 health issues can lead to long-term health problems, including heart disease, stroke and cancer, but a varied social network can help protect against physical decline.

:-  What’s more, the benefits of social ties are significant, even if your other mortality risk factors (such as socioeconomic status, smoking, drinking, obesity and lack of physical activity) are low. In other words, even if you live a healthy life, you still need to be socially active to stay well and happy.

:-  It’s important to recognise that loneliness is different from solitude. Feeling lonely is a problem, but being alone may not be a problem at all. Many people live alone and have happy, fulfilling lives.