The Rise of Social Health
And what it means for global well-being.
In recent years, Google searches for “what is social health” have soared in the US and worldwide. This global interest is evident right here, with people from more than 40 countries subscribed to this newsletter.
Most recently, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy adopted the term, stating on social media in December 2023:
“Just like our physical and mental health, our ‘social health' is critical to our well-being.”
Google Search trends and Dr. Murthy’s remarks are signals of a widespread shift that is underway. Increasingly, people are coming to understand that we can’t thrive if we take care of our bodies and minds but not our relationships.
How did we get here?
The growing recognition of social health as distinct from (but intertwined with) physical and mental health has been a long time coming.
In 1946 when the World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being,” they planted the seed. In the decades that followed, researchers watered and fertilized the seed with studies proving that connection with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and communities is necessary—not nice-to-have—for a long, healthy life.
Since then, countless efforts have helped raise awareness about the benefits of connection, including:
Seminal books like Together and The Good Life
The UK and Japan appointing national Ministers of Loneliness
The WHO launching a global Commission on Social Connection
But the language of “social health” has still been largely missing from mainstream discourse.
Eleven years ago when I came across the term in an academic paper, I was confounded as to why I could find so little information about it, which prompted me to begin my journey of exploring social health as an idea and practice. Six years ago when I started advocating publicly for it, I was met with blank stares more often than not. I noticed this begin to slowly change during the pandemic, as a global conversation about the toll of disconnection took off, as I doubled down on my work, and as others spread the message of social health too.
Now, hearing Dr. Murthy espouse social health not only affirms our collective efforts but also is a sign of what’s to come.
We’ve Reached a Tipping Point
In the years ahead, the concept of social health will become as embedded in our culture as mental health is today, thanks to a growing movement of researchers, organizations, government and community leaders, and all of us championing it—including you.
Greater awareness and better tools for social health will help improve the length and quality of our lives.
In my forthcoming book, I share stories of social health innovators: inspiring people who are taking steps to connect meaningfully and creating the conditions for everyone to enjoy stronger social health. Going forward, I’ll be spotlighting the stories of some of you, right here in this community, who inspire me with your leadership.
Share Your Reflections
How have you observed or contributed to the rise of social health? What else do you think is needed to elevate social health alongside physical and mental health?
I’d love to hear from you—and given the international reach of this newsletter, I’m sure others would too. So let’s start a conversation! Comment below to engage with other readers, and make sure you’re subscribed for updates:
Resources
New to Social Health? Start Here
Psychology Today: What is Social Health?
Harvard School of Public Health: Goodbye Loneliness, Hello Social Health
Canadian Human Connection Conference: The Future of Health is Social
In the News
Check out my latest thoughts in these recent articles and interviews:
Washington Post: How and Why to Increase Your Social Network as You Age
Vox: Relationships Aren’t Always Going to be Totally Balanced
Bloomberg: Getting Old, Explained
Unpacked with Papa: Actionable Tips to Strengthen Your Social Muscles
The Guardian: You Don’t Have to be Alone to Experience Loneliness
Globe and Mail: For Many, Friendship is More Important than Romance
Beyond Age Podcast: Can Relationships Keep You Feeling Young?
