Insights from the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (Part 3)

This article, informed by The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation, examines the importance of social connection for senior communities. The evidence supports the asertion that more connected communities experience higher levels of well-being. 

 

Researchers from various fields of study, such as political science, economics, sociology, behavioral science, and public health, have examined the impact of social connections on the health and well-being of communities, especially seniors. The evidence shows that stronger social connections lead to better community outcomes, including improved population health, community safety, and prosperity. On the other hand, weaker social connections result in poorer outcomes in these areas. The studies demonstrate that social connections are vital not only for senior physical, mental, and emotional health but also for the health and well-being of our communities.

 

Socially Connected Communities

The research on social connections defines “community” in many ways. Generally, it refers to a group of people with a characteristic in common. In this article, “community” refers to a shared geographic location—neighborhoods, towns, and cities. It reviews important research on in-person social connections and the benefits of location-specific communities.

 

It’s important to note that the concept of community is not limited to shared geographic locations. Other communities, including those formed online, also play a significant role in providing support and fostering social connections. In a future article, we will discuss some online communities, websites, and forums and their impact on social connections for the senior population.

 

Social capital, a fundamental concept identified by researchers, plays a crucial role in understanding the connectedness of communities. This is a key characteristic that cannot be overlooked in this context. The definition and measurement of social capital vary by discipline. Still, social capital may be understood as “the resources to which individuals and groups have access through their social networks.”

 

Social support refers to the perceived or actual availability of emotional, informational, or tangible resources from other individuals in one’s social network.

 

Social cohesion is the strong bonds and connections within groups, leading to trust, reciprocity, and a feeling of belonging. Norms of reciprocity require people to repay in kind what others have done for them.

 

Trust is a vital element in connected communities. Although the scientific literature defines trust in various ways, it generally refers to an individual’s expectation of positive intentions and goodwill from others’ actions.

 

The research confirms that connecting with people from different social groups and power levels can improve community health and well-being. For example, forming friendships across generations or creating mentorship programs between youth and local employers can make a positive impact. Expanding one’s social circle to include diverse relationships can provide more support and social resources. This leads to more creative thinking, inspires open-mindedness, and improves problem-solving. Further, the researchers found that engaging with neighbors and community members builds trust, establishes norms of mutual assistance, and increases understanding and kindness. They discovered it also cultivates a sense of belonging and motivates people to contribute to their communities. When involvement in community activities is regular, trust levels rise, making it easier to share information and resources.

 

The Benefits of More Connected Communities

Communities with more robust social connections tend to have better health outcomes. Studies show that higher social capital in a community is linked to lower disease rates and reduced risk of death. Further, the research suggests that a one-unit increase in social capital increases the likelihood of survival by 17%. Additionally, people who feel a strong sense of belonging to their community are 2.6 times more likely to report good or excellent health than those who feel less connected.

 

The positive effects of social connections on health extend beyond individuals, benefitting entire communities. When individuals come together and use their social networks to promote healthier behavior or make positive changes in their community, they play a crucial role in improving overall health for everyone. Strong social bonds in communities increase the likelihood of local groups and healthcare providers collaborating to enhance public health.

 

On the other hand, several reports have found that lower community social connection is linked to poorer health outcomes. This was made clear when examining the spread of the COVID-19 virus. One study in the United States compared changes in the county-level spread of COVID-19 against several measures of social capital. These included family structure and involvement, trust in community institutions, and the popularity of volunteerism. Levels of participation in political discussions, voting efforts, and cohesion among community members were also considered. After controlling for potential alternative explanatory factors, the researchers found that lower levels of social capital were associated with a higher number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 infection.

Community Safety

Higher levels of social connection within a community correspond to better health and disaster outcomes and are associated with lower community violence. One recent study on community violence showed that an increase in social connectedness was associated with significant reductions in murders and motor vehicle thefts. Many subsequent analyses have confirmed the association between social connection and community safety.

Economic Prosperity

Economic prosperity is a crucial measure of the value within a given society. When communities are well connected, they tend to do better economically. In the U.S., communities with strong connections were better at handling unemployment and economic downturns. Also, in these communities, people are more likely to help each other find jobs and educational opportunities, work together on new ideas, and support local businesses. This kind of community involvement can also help people improve their lives and reduce economic inequality.

 

Higher levels of social connection are also associated with increased levels of civic engagement. Evidence has shown that civic engagement helps to develop empathy, problem-solving, and cooperation among community members. In addition, studies show that group membership and social networks strongly influence the decision to participate in the political process. Moreover, the research suggests that greater civic engagement can lead to policies and programs that better reflect the will of a community’s residents, promoting continued and increased civic engagement. One consequence of people’s natural tendency to build and maintain relationships with those like themselves is the risk of exacerbating polarization in our discourse and society. If not addressed, this risk could lead to poorer outcomes for the broader culture, such as decreased political tolerance and increased societal division.

 

“Core discussion networks” refer to groups of people who discuss complex and timely topics such as politics, finances, world events, religion, and health. The size and diversity of these networks are crucial in shaping individuals’ opinions, attitudes, and awareness of different perspectives and ultimately promoting political tolerance. However, in recent decades, these networks have been shrinking significantly. A survey of 1,055 U.S. adults during the 2016 U.S. presidential election revealed that core discussion networks were smaller than in previous periods, and the proportion of individuals with the same political preferences within these networks was higher than before.

 

As discussion networks shrink and become more politically homogenous, society becomes more polarized. Thus, it is perhaps not surprising that almost 6 in 10 U.S. adults report that it is “stressful and frustrating” to talk about politics with people who hold different political opinions. A recent survey found that 64% of individuals believe that people cannot have constructive and civil debates about issues on which they disagree.

 

One of the most critical messages from research on the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation is that ignoring the problem of loneliness will have significant costs. Not only is there the human cost in terms of lost lives and diminished well-being, but the economic toll is also immense. Loneliness increases healthcare costs due to its contribution to chronic diseases and mental health disorders, and it leads to lower productivity and higher absenteeism in the workplace.

 

Without immediate intervention, the loneliness epidemic is likely to grow, especially as populations age and traditional forms of social connection, such as extended families and tight-knit communities, continue to weaken. It will take the significant and persistent efforts of all members of society to overcome the epidemic of loneliness and isolation.

 

“Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community” (2023) HHS.gov.