Use the Holidays to Promote Social Connection

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Millions of people will gather with family and friends this week to celebrate what may be one of the most quintessential American holidays— Thanksgiving. For most people, the holiday revolves around turkey, football, and the start of the holiday shopping season. More Americans are also focusing on gratitude—the “thanks” part of Thanksgiving—which is demonstrated to promote physical, mental, and social well-being.

But there’s another aspect of Thanksgiving that is worth focusing on: gathering.

Why? There is clear evidence that Americans are experiencing unprecedented levels of loneliness. In a poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association earlier this year, 30 percent of adults reported feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year; 10 percent said they felt lonely every day.

A 2020 report by the U.S. Surgeon General documented a decline in social connections across all age groups. The report found more than one-third of adults aged 45 years and older felt lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 years and older were socially isolated. It also found that young people aged 15 to 24 years have 70 percent less social interaction with their friends compared to young people two decades ago.

This is problematic because researchers are learning more each year about the importance of social connectedness not just for mental and emotional well-being but also for physical health.

A systematic review published earlier this year found that having poor social relationships was associated with a 16 percent increase in cardiovascular disease; an earlier body of research found social isolation—specifically, a lack of contact with other people—increases the risk of dying earlier.

There is more. The 2020 report from the U.S. Surgeon General demonstrated that loneliness is equally bad for our health as smoking, having serious effects on both mental and physical health. Data show loneliness and isolation are linked to sleep problems, inflammation, pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, addiction, suicidality and self-harm, and dementia.

The data are clear: Loneliness and social isolation are bad for us, and Thanksgiving is an opportunity for the perfect antidote. This holiday season, make it a priority to connect with the people you love. Consider including someone you may not know as well who doesn’t have another place to spend the holiday. You could also use this time to make plans to connect with loved ones throughout the year—whether in person or virtually.

The take-home message: Social isolation is bad for our health. The Thanksgiving holiday provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with others and then keep that connection going throughout the year ahead.

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