Social Connectedness: Your Prescription to a Healthier, Happier, and Longer Life
Making and keeping close ties with family and friends doesn't just make you happy; it's also been shown to improve your long-term health. In this article, we'll talk about what social connectedness is, how it contributes to your overall health, and how you can keep your relationships healthy, even during COVID.
In this article:
● Defining social connectedness
● Impact of our social connections on our health
● Social isolation and its health consequences
● The importance of having social connections
● Social connectedness made easier with Connected Care
Here's How a Good Social Life Can Help You Live Longer
Defining social connectedness
Social connectedness is defined as one's feeling of closeness to people or a sense of belongingness to a group. Psychologists often mention it as a core human need, as reflected in Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
The impact of social connections on your health
Numerous studies have shown the physical benefits enjoyed by people with strong social connections, including: a stronger immune system, sharper mental acuity (which can potentially slow the onset of or prevent dementia and Alzheimer's), and have longer life spans.
Apart from physical benefits, having quality social relationships with others positively affects your mental well-being. Studies show that having a strong social network to lean on develops stress resilience and enhances self-confidence. Developing these things promotes lifelong good mental health, which contributes to a healthier and happier life.
Living longer isn't the best part of having quality social connections. Scientists also believe that social connectedness' positive effects have a flow-on effect, which means the people around you benefit from it too. Think of it as a positive feedback loop—when you develop strong relationships with others, they are also encouraged to create quality social relationships of their own. In turn, everyone in your social circle stands to enjoy physical and emotional well-being.
Social isolation and its health consequences
Numerous studies have documented the consequences of social isolation on a person's health. A review of 148 studies that looked into the effects of social relationships with mental health and mortality showed that those who lacked social connections were 50% more likely to pass on earlier than those who had more quality social relationships. Another study has also identified that prolonged social isolation can increase your likeliness of developing health complications like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Ultimately, having weak social connections can lead to loneliness. When left unmanaged, this loneliness is a risk factor that increases chances of suffering from major depression.
Meanwhile, a review of over 80 studies has shown that continued social isolation prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic affects children and adolescents as they are "more likely to experience high rates of depression and most likely anxiety during and after enforced isolation ends."
The elderly population is also particularly vulnerable to social isolation's adverse effects, as social connectedness is also influenced by mobility. Given their age, older people often have more difficulty moving about and meeting people. This prevents them from staying connected with others and sustaining strong bonds with family and friends.
The importance of having social connections
Social isolation can have adverse effects on your health. As such, you must ensure that you stay on top of your relationships. To start, sit down for a moment and think about these three relationships types you should have:
Intimate: Connections you have with those you're close to, such as family and friends.
Relational: Connections you have with people you regularly meet like peers, colleagues, neighbours, and caregivers.
Collective: Connections you have with people from a specific interest group. Think about your affiliations with your religious group, hobby group or political party.
Ask yourself if you do have real and meaningful social connections in these three areas. If you do, great! But if you feel your relationships need some work, you might want to consider opening up a bit, meeting new people, or catching up with old friends.
And before you go citing social distancing as a reason to be anti-social, here are some ways you can maintain your social connections, even during the pandemic:
● Set catch-up sessions with family and friends – virtually if it's more practical
● Attend classes (e.g. yoga, art, crochet – they have these online too)
● Sign up for (online) quiz bees and game nights
● Call your friends or family via smartphone
● Have a neighbourhood get-together (make sure to follow public gathering limitations in your area as outlined by the Department of Health)
Following social distancing protocols doesn't mean completely cutting yourself off from people. Regular catch-up sessions, whether physical or virtual, help keep your social connections healthy.
Social Connectedness Made Easier With Connected Care
At Tunstall Healthcare, we've dedicated ourselves to developing a wide range of interconnected platforms that support all types of healthcare needs. Our Connected Care services and devices allow you to stay connected to your family and caregivers during the time you need them most—during emergencies. Having a personal alarm pendant on you at all times will empower you to live your life as independently as you desire, allowing you to maintain your social connections with others during the pandemic safely.
Contact us at Tunstall Healthcare to enquire about our Connected Care solutions today.
