A network of Canadian experts, led by a professor at Simon Fraser University, have developed the first national guidelines for social connection to tackle a public health challenge that does more harm than obesity, sedentary living and even smoking.
With social disconnection increasing the odds of premature death among people by 30 per cent (the equivalent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day) and 69 per cent of Canadians saying they know someone who is chronically lonely, SFU health sciences assistant professor Kiffer Card says there's an urgent need to address the often-ignored crisis.
New recommended public health guidelines for social connection provide the tools to foster healthy social lives at the individual and community levels.
"Loneliness is not merely a feeling of sadness; it is a serious public health issue that demands our immediate attention," says Card, who led the development of the guidelines through GenWell and the Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health. "Our research demonstrates that social isolation is harmful regardless of whether individuals feel lonely, highlighting the universal need for meaningful social connections."
The group created two sets of guidelines, one for individuals and the other for communities (such as policy makers at national, provincial and local levels).
The guidelines for individuals encourage people to make social connection a priority through their lives, cultivate social confidence and build strong social networks with a variety of relationships.
The community guidelines focus on building environments that invest in social events, activities and programs for people, enshrine social connection in policies and practices and improve accessibility and inclusion in neighbourhoods.
Card initiated a comprehensive project to create national public health guidelines for social connection three years ago.
The initiative involved convening approximately 100 of the world's leading experts on social connection and loneliness, reviewing over 4,500 academic research papers, and producing 50 evidence briefs to inform the guidelines.
Card emphasizes the guidelines are a crucial advancement in public health, aiming to address a fundamental but often overlooked determinant of well-being.
"Implementing these guidelines may present challenges, but the potential benefits for individual and societal health are immense," he says. "By prioritizing social connection, we can combat the rising mental health crises, reduce healthcare costs, and build a more resilient and cohesive society."
With the guidelines now published, Card hopes to engage with governments, public health officials and communities across Canada to see them adopted across the country.
"GenWell is thrilled to see the Canadian social connection guidelines brought to life through the tireless work of Dr. Card and the 100 researchers who contributed to their development," says Pete Bombaci, CEO and founder of GenWell. "These guidelines support the work and mission that GenWell has been leading since 2016 - to build a more connected Canada where everyone thrives."
The group has also been in talks with the World Health Organization to expand their reach beyond Canada.
Guidelines for Individuals
These guidelines function similarly to dietary and exercise recommendations, providing essential advice to help individuals prioritize and enhance their social connections:
- Make social connection a priority throughout your life
- Cultivate social confidence in yourself and others
- Build a strong social network with a variety of kinds of relationships
- Invest in getting enough social connection
- Maintain and deepen your relationships with others
- Seek out face-to-face interactions and use technology wisely
Guidelines for Communities
Recognizing that social connection requires collective effort, these guidelines offer strategies for organizations, communities, and governments to foster a more connected society:
- Promote awareness of the importance of social connection
- Foster healthy social and emotional development
- Make social connection a priority in policies and practices
- Design environments for connection and invest in social events, activities, and programs
- Improve accessibility and inclusion for all people
- Measure and make progress towards improving social well-being
