Why Social Health Is Key to Happiness and Longevity | Kasley Killam | TED

Understanding Social Health: The Missing Piece in Well-Being

Maya's Story and the Impact of Change

• A woman named Maya experiences significant life changes, including marriage, relocation, a new job, and her father's dementia diagnosis.

• To cope with stress, Maya focuses on physical and mental health through exercise, healthy eating, and therapy. However, she still struggles with sleep and motivation.

The Importance of Social Health

• Despite following traditional health advice, Maya feels something is missing; this absence affects many people globally.

• The speaker argues that conventional views on health are incomplete without considering social health—our relationships with others.

• Social health is defined as the quality of our connections with family, friends, coworkers, and community.

Loneliness as a Public Health Crisis

• Many individuals experience prolonged periods without meaningful interactions; one in four people report feeling lonely.

• This loneliness poses serious public health risks by increasing stress levels and susceptibility to various diseases like heart disease and depression.

Defining Social Health

• Being socially healthy involves nurturing close relationships and regular interactions within one's community.

• Examples illustrate how social health challenges affect individuals at different life stages—from college students to retirees.

Practical Steps to Enhance Social Health

• The speaker introduces the 5-3-1 guideline for improving social connections:

• Interact with five different people each week: Variety in interactions enhances well-being.

• Strengthen at least three close relationships: Invest time in those who matter most by scheduling regular meet-ups or check-ins.

The Importance of Social Health

Personal Experience and the 5-3-1 Guideline

• Instead of consuming media, Maya emphasizes engaging in personal connections, such as writing thank-you cards or calling family members.

• She shares her own journey of enhancing social health through regular hangouts with friends, attending community events, and maintaining family ties.

• Maya reflects on how prioritizing social health has had a more significant impact on her well-being than focusing solely on physical or mental health.

• The 5-3-1 guideline is introduced as a proactive approach to nurturing relationships, highlighting the importance of intentionality in social interactions.

Vision for the Future of Social Health

• Over the next decade, there is an envisioned shift where educators will promote social health in schools akin to physical education classes.

• Urban planning is expected to evolve with a focus on creating spaces that foster community engagement and connection among residents.

• The speaker anticipates that discussions around social health will become as normalized as those surrounding mental health have become over time.