We created health guidelines for fighting loneliness – here’s what we recommend – The Conversation

The Global Health Crisis of Social Isolation and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Threats to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Social isolation presents a significant global health risk, increasing the risk of mortality by approximately 30%, a rate comparable to that of smoking. This public health crisis, characterized as an “epidemic of loneliness” and a “friendship recession,” directly undermines the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The rise in “deaths of despair,” including those from suicide and addiction, further highlights the urgent need to integrate social well-being into public health frameworks. The World Health Organization’s definition of health as a state of “complete physical, mental and social well-being” reinforces the necessity of addressing social connection as a core component of global health strategy.

Developing a Global Framework for Social Connection

A Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17)

In response to this crisis, an international team of over 100 experts has undertaken the first systematic effort to develop evidence-based guidelines for social connection. This collaborative initiative exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), bringing together global expertise to create a shared framework. The objective of these publicly available guidelines is to elevate social connection to the same level of public health importance as nutrition and physical activity, providing actionable recommendations for policymakers, organizations, and individuals.

Key Findings and Foundational Principles

The development of the guidelines was informed by extensive research, including evidence summaries, case studies, and consultations with global experts and marginalized communities. The findings establish several foundational principles for social well-being.

• Individual and Contextual Variability: Social health is not universal; needs vary significantly based on personality, life stage, and cultural context. The quality of relationships is more significant than the quantity of social interactions.
• The Role of Technology: Technology is a dual-use tool. While passive use can be detrimental, active and intentional use—such as video calls and community organizing apps—can strengthen social bonds and facilitate connection.
• Systemic Influences and Social Infrastructure: Social health is heavily influenced by systemic factors and the physical environment. This directly relates to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), as investments in social infrastructure such as libraries, parks, and community centers are proven to improve well-being and community resilience.
• The Importance of Diverse Social Networks: A healthy social life includes a mix of strong ties (close friends and family) and weak ties (acquaintances and neighbors). These diverse networks provide novel information, opportunities, and a broader sense of belonging, contributing to a resilient social fabric.

Policy and Practical Applications for Achieving the SDGs

The guidelines provide a roadmap for integrating social well-being into various sectors, thereby advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

Integration into Public Systems

Standardized metrics for social well-being can help healthcare providers identify at-risk individuals and implement interventions like “social prescriptions,” directly supporting the targets of SDG 3. This approach ensures that social health is systematically addressed within clinical practice.

Fostering Connection in Education and the Workplace

Institutions are beginning to apply these principles. Schools incorporating emotional intelligence and friendship skills into curricula contribute to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by preparing students for socially healthy lives. Workplaces that assess the social impact of policies on remote work and office design are advancing SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering connected, productive, and healthy work environments.

Urban Planning and Community Development

By investing in social infrastructure, cities can create environments that naturally foster connection. This strategy is central to achieving SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and can also help advance SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring all residents have access to spaces that support social well-being.

Recommendations for Action

On an individual and community level, the guidelines suggest several practical shifts to prioritize and cultivate social connection.

1. Prioritize Face-to-Face Interaction: In-person interactions are critical for boosting mood, reducing stress, and building trust.
2. Utilize Technology Actively: Use digital tools intentionally to schedule interactions and create opportunities for connection rather than for passive consumption.
3. Treat Solitude as Restoration: A healthy social life requires a balance between meaningful interaction and restorative solitude.
4. Build Routines that Create Natural Interaction: Establish routines, such as visiting neighborhood spots or joining community activities, to create predictable opportunities for social connection.
5. Take Initiative: Actively prioritizing social connection is a fundamental step toward improving personal and community well-being.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on social isolation and its health impacts connects to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting the importance of social well-being as a critical component of overall health, community design, education, and work environments.

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This is the most prominent SDG addressed. The article frames social isolation as a critical public health crisis, directly linking it to increased mortality rates, mental health issues, and “deaths of despair” like suicide and addiction. It argues that social connection is as vital for health as diet and exercise.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article connects social health to the physical environment. It mentions that investments in “social infrastructure – the places and spaces where we connect, such as libraries, parks and cafes” and the development of “walkable streets and bike lanes” are crucial for fostering community and well-being, which is a core objective of creating sustainable and inclusive cities.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  The role of education in promoting social skills is highlighted. The article notes that “Schools are teaching emotional intelligence and friendship skills as core curriculum,” recognizing that education is not just about academic knowledge but also about equipping individuals with the social and emotional skills necessary for a healthy life.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article touches upon the workplace as a key environment for social connection. It mentions that some workplaces “now assess social health when making decisions about policies such as remote work or office layout” and design “wellness programs,” linking decent work to environments that support employee well-being and social health.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article directly supports this target by identifying social isolation as a major risk factor for premature death, stating it “increases your risk of death by 30%,” and linking it to mental health crises.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol. This target is relevant as the article explicitly mentions the rise in “deaths from factors like suicide, addiction and alcoholism,” referred to as “deaths of despair,” which are linked to loneliness and social isolation.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities. The article advocates for this by emphasizing that “investments in social infrastructure – the places and spaces where we connect, such as libraries, parks and cafes – measurably improve well-being.”

3. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including… sustainable lifestyles… and promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence. The article’s mention of schools “teaching emotional intelligence and friendship skills” aligns with this target, as these skills are fundamental to personal well-being and building socially sustainable communities.

4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers. The article implies that a “safe and secure” working environment includes psychological and social safety. By stating that workplaces are beginning to “assess social health” and “design workplaces that foster connection,” it connects workplace policies directly to the well-being of employees.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress:

1. For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

   • Implied Indicator for Target 3.4: The article cites a “30% increase in risk of death” due to social isolation, which points to mortality rates as a key indicator. Progress could be measured by tracking mortality rates attributed to risk factors like social isolation. The rising “deaths of despair” implies the use of the Suicide mortality rate (Indicator 3.4.2) as a direct measure of mental well-being.
   • Implied Indicator for Target 3.5: The reference to increasing deaths from “addiction and alcoholism” suggests tracking indicators related to substance abuse and harmful alcohol use, such as the Harmful use of alcohol (related to Indicator 3.5.2).

2. For SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

   • Implied Indicator for Target 11.7: The emphasis on “social infrastructure – the places and spaces where we connect, such as libraries, parks and cafes” implies an indicator that measures the availability and accessibility of public spaces. This aligns with the concept of Indicator 11.7.1, which measures the average share of the built-up area of cities that is open space for public use for all.

3. For SDG 4 (Quality Education)

   • Implied Indicator for Target 4.7: The statement that schools are “teaching emotional intelligence and friendship skills as core curriculum” implies an indicator measuring the integration of social and emotional learning into educational systems. This relates to Indicator 4.7.1, which tracks the extent to which concepts like education for sustainable lifestyles are mainstreamed in national curricula.

4. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

   • Implied Indicator for Target 8.8: The article’s mention of workplaces that “assess social health” and design policies to “foster connection” implies a qualitative indicator measuring the adoption of corporate policies and wellness programs aimed at improving employee social well-being. This could be tracked through corporate social responsibility reporting or labor surveys.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theconversation.com