Social Connection: Critical Factor for Mental and Physical Health
Why is social connection critical for health?
Social connection is a fundamental determinant of health, with social isolation associated with 32% increased risk of premature death and loneliness with 14% increased risk. A comprehensive review published in World Psychiatry synthesizes evidence showing that strong social connections may increase survival likelihood by up to 50%, while poor social connection increases coronary heart disease risk by 29% and stroke risk by 32%.