Photo: Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty
Loneliness and social isolation have been declared the latest public health epidemic.
“Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling,” he explains. “It harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.”
“In addition, poor or insufficient social connection is associated with increased risk of disease, including a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke,” he adds.
The report explains that those who suffer from “poor or insufficient social connection” are also at an increased risk for anxiety, depression, and dementia and may be susceptible to viruses and respiratory illnesses.
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“Social connection is a fundamental human need, as essential to survival as food, water, and shelter,” stressed Murphy. “Throughout history, our ability to rely on one another has been crucial to survival. Now, even in modern times, we human beings are biologically wired for social connection. Our brains have adapted to expect proximity to others.”
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Murphy has called for individuals to “take small steps” daily to strengthen their relationships to combat this.
“We can build lives and communities that are healthier and happier. And we can ensure our country and the world are better poised than ever to take on the challenges that lay ahead,” he explained.
source: people.com
