According to Kasley Killam, social health is often overlooked and underappreciated, despite its substantial influence on our health, happiness, and longevity. Killam argues that social connections are not just a nicety, but a necessity, and that their absence can have severe consequences, including increased risk of diseases such as stroke and dementia.

One of the leading theories explaining the negative effects of loneliness is the concept of stress buffering. When we experience chronic loneliness, our bodies register it as a threat, leading to increased cortisol, inflammation, and a weakened immune system. In contrast, supportive relationships can calm our bodies and help us manage stress more effectively.

The Current State of Social Health

Killam describes the current state of our collective social health as a public health emergency. The US surgeon general has issued an advisory about the epidemic of loneliness and isolation, and the WHO has established a commission on social connection. Killam identifies several factors contributing to this crisis, including technology and social media, which can sometimes substitute for meaningful human connections rather than complementing them.

Other factors contributing to the crisis include trends in work culture, such as prioritizing careers over relationships, and the increasing prevalence of living alone and transient lifestyles. The Covid pandemic has also had an impact on social health, although Killam notes that people have shown resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Initiatives and Solutions

Killam highlights various initiatives and solutions aimed at promoting social health, such as social prescribing, which links patients to community groups and services. She also mentions the importance of teaching children how to strengthen their social muscles, investing in shared spaces, and fostering empathy and conversation.

Killam's nonprofit organization, Social Health Labs, has launched a microgrant program to support projects that bring people together in their local communities. These efforts demonstrate the growing recognition of the importance of social health and the need for a social health movement.