You get your bloodwork done. You track your activity. You manage your stress. But there's one health factor that often gets overlooked and research shows it matters just as much as the physical markers.
Why social connection is important for your health
Isolation and loneliness pose significant health risks, affecting both physical and mental wellbeing. The World Health Organization reports that:
- Global prevalence: one in six people worldwide experience loneliness.
- Cardiovascular impact: Loneliness or social isolation is associated with a 29 per cent increased risk of coronary heart disease and a 32 per cent increased risk of stroke. In an updated review, loneliness or social isolation was associated with a 16 per cent increased risk of cardiovascular disease overall.
- Type 2 diabetes: Those who occasionally feel lonely have a 14 per cent higher risk of type 2 diabetes, while those who often feel lonely have a 24 per cent increased risk.
The hidden warning signs
Loneliness doesn't always announce itself with obvious symptoms. It often co-exists with anxiety, depression, poor sleep and difficulty concentrating. These conditions are connected and can worsen each other.
Ways to strengthen connection
- Regular meaningful contact: Weekly interaction with friends or family, not just online
- Community involvement: Volunteering, clubs, group classes or faith communities
- Intentional connection: Moving beyond surface interactions to deeper relationships
- Shared activities: Group fitness, book clubs, meals together, activities where connection is the goal, not the byproduct
Taking action
While connection is an essential part of overall health, understanding your baseline is a great first step. A Wellbeing Assessment is a lifestyle evaluation tool to help you check in on lifestyle factors like stress, sleep patterns and mood—making it an excellent first step to help you discover what you need next on your wellness journey.
* The Wellbeing Assessment is not intended to diagnose or treat clinical mental health conditions.