Social Wellness - The Third Pillar of Health

"Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of seeing my dear friend, Allison Gilbert, speak on a subject that's been on my mind a lot lately. Her presentation was advocating for social wellness - the often forgotten third pillar of health. Physical and mental health steal a lot of the spotlight with discussions on mind/body often neglecting social wellness altogether. It deserves better attention."

"In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared loneliness an epidemic. In fact, his 'parting prescription for America' wasn't focused on gun violence, obesity, or the opioid crisis - it was centered on loneliness and the impact of community. An extensive 2019 survey found nearly half of Americans feeling loneliness, and the data post-COVID appears even worse. In short, this is a prevalent but largely ignored issue."

"Studies suggest loneliness and the lack of social connection increase the risk of premature death to the level of smoking 15 cigarettes a day - greater than the risk of obesity or physical inactivity! Other studies show that a lack of social connection can carry increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety and depression. Social wellness isn't just about making friends or building relationships - it has a direct impact on our longevity."

Social wellness is the often-forgotten third pillar of health alongside physical and mental well-being. In 2023 the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic, and surveys indicate nearly half of Americans report loneliness with worsening trends after COVID. Research links loneliness and weak social connections to premature death risks comparable to smoking fifteen cigarettes per day, and to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety, and depression. Social health directly affects longevity and morbidity. Greater attention to community and social connection is required to improve population health outcomes.

Read at YogaRenew