The Beatles sang: “I look at all the lonely people. All the lonely people, where do they all come from? All the lonely people, where do they all belong?”
Did you know that increased mortality risk from social isolation is comparable to that from smoking, and loneliness is about twice as dangerous as obesity? Social isolation also impairs immune function and boosts inflammation, which can lead to arthritis, type II diabetes, and heart disease! For these reasons, I am co-leading a task force in our community to address this issue.
We have grown up being told we need to stand on our own, but the reality is that we are hard wired to need others. The single most important factor to your well-being is your positive social connections and relationships.
Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone to help someone and yourself. Do you have someone on your block or in your life that could use a little company? Share a cup of tea? Or maybe invite them to dinner or picnic?
Here are some ideas to help connect with others:
Share a May Day basket with a neighbor
Welcome someone to the neighborhood
Start a bookclub or other interest group
Why do these things? Loneliness Is Deadly. Social isolation kills more people than obesity does.
Social Engagement and Brain Health
(Aspiring to be a) Joy Spreader
