The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health Is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier

Social health, or “the aspect of overall... wellbeing that comes from connection,” is on the decline and society is suffering for it, argues social scientist Killam in her earnest debut. She contends that social health directly affects physical and mental health, citing studies suggesting that “lack of connection” increases the risk of stroke, dementia, and early death, while good relationships help people stay happier and live longer. Readers can assess their social fitness by mapping out their relationships with friends, family, and partners; analyzing the quality of each based on its depth and mutuality; and adopting different strategies depending on the results. For example, those looking to establish new connections can download a friend-finding app or join a hobby group, while those seeking to improve the quality of an existing relationship might consider sharing a personal struggle with a friend and asking for advice. While such suggestions feel rote, Killam buttresses them with research, including a 2020 study revealing that being socially isolated activated the same part of the brain that lights up when people go hungry (“Loneliness is like hunger: a message from your body to your brain that it needs something that it’s not getting”). Even wallflowers will be motivated to strike up new friendships. (July)