We’ve spent countless posts detailing the negative health consequences that stem from loneliness, as well as the value of social connections for healthier aging. Both loneliness and social isolation are serious international problems, with a recent World Health Organization report proclaiming that one in six people worldwide (both young and old) suffer from loneliness, affecting both the physical and mental health of those who suffer and linking this level of loneliness to more than 800,000 global deaths per year, especially in low and middle-income countries. At the same time, we have increasing data and research supporting the value of social connections and social engagement for better physical, cognitive, and mental health. So let’s take a look at some recent data as guidance on how to replace the loneliness you may experience (and its negative health effects) with the benefit of connecting with others.

One very recent and important study was just published in PLOS One. According to this new research, older adults can avoid an ever-downward decline, even in the face of health setbacks, and can reclaim a more optimal well-being if they pay attention to such healthy lifestyle choices as exercise, diet, and, surprisingly, social well-being. What this study reports is that older adults who experience a setback can re-emerge in better health by paying attention to their mental health, especially if they are lonely or experiencing social isolation. By addressing their psychological and emotional needs to connect with others (a basic biological impulse of being a human), even those older people who have been in decline can reverse course. This research underscores, in an important way, the value of social connection for healthier aging.

Other recent studies also support the important health benefits of social connection and engagement. In line with the research referenced above, a new study out of Japan of over 42,000 participants aged 65 and older with no cognitive impairment, demonstrated that social participation (in such activities as community clubs or groups, or volunteer organizations) was associated with a decreased risk of depression, especially among those who might benefit most from this social engagement, such as those who are older, not working, living alone, widowed and with lower incomes. Supporting and adding to this research is a study out of England, which reports that belonging to community groups- be they religious, political, social, or community- is valuable, and what’s even better is if you can participate in a diversity of groups. The research demonstrated that no matter your age or gender, those who belonged to more diverse groups were less lonely and had greater well-being when followed four years later. Members who participated in various types of groups were happier and healthier than those who were not group members.

Beyond the strong science behind creating social connections to support your health and well-being, there are some upcoming books that offer insights and recommendations regarding the value of social engagement and strategies for creating your own social connections. First, consider the book Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives. Written by Ken Stern, a longevity expert who works with the Stanford Center on Longevity, the book relays stories from around the world about the value of building social connections and the benefits of focusing on your social health. The other book about to be published is Why Brains Need Friends: The Neuroscience of Social Connection, written by neuroscientist Ben Rein. Revealing that our brains are wired through evolution to need social connection, he provides strategies for improving your social life and thereby enhancing your physical and mental health. So gather together some friends to discuss these books, and read more here.