A post on the Standford School of Medicine’s Center for Compassion And Altruism Research And Education website by Dr, Emma Seppala describes how social connection improves physical health and mental and emotional well-being. An excerpt from the post and link to a detailed infographic follows:
“One landmark study showed that lack of social connection is a greater detriment to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.
On the other hand, strong social connection:
- leads to a 50% increased chance of longevity
- strengthens your immune system(research by Steve Cole shows that genes impacted by loneliness also code for immune function and inflammation)
- helps you recover from disease faster
- may even lengthen your life!…”
