Will You Become Part of the 61% of the Silent Epidemic?

I've always liked the ancient Chinese proverb, "Dig a well before you are thirsty."

It encourages us to take action and make provisions before a need arises, rather than waiting until the last minute when the situation becomes critical. I use this proverb in my presentations to illustrate the value of planning ahead in life, business, relationships, and personal development. 

This old proverb is especially true when it comes to your brain health. 

I read something that really surprised me: The latest Cigna Loneliness Index1 found that 61% of Americans are lonely. I suspect the same in many countries. This is a staggering number.

Does it surprise you to learn that loneliness is a brain health hazard? 

Loneliness, over time, can cause your hippocampus to shrink, and affect cognitive function. It also affects mental health, resilience, work productivity, and overall well-being across all age groups and life stages. In 2017, the UK government appointed a "Minister of Loneliness", with 21.8 million pound budget. Loneliness was declared a public health emergency in San Mateo County, California in 2024. 

Loneliness isn't just a feeling. It's a scourge that can lead to illness. Research links loneliness to stroke, Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.

“I think loneliness probably kills more people than cancer.” — from the movie "A Simple Favor".

“People think of their relationships as related to emotional well-being; they don’t recognize the profound effect they have on physical health. We need to take our social relationships as seriously as we take our diet, exercise, nutrition, and everything else that we know impacts our health.” says Brigham Young psychology professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad. Her research finds loneliness increases the likelihood of early death by 26%. 

Read: The Loneliness Epidemic at Work: What Leaders Must Know and Do

Social Connection as a Basic Human Need

Humans are social creatures, which doesn’t mean we simply enjoy being social; it means we need to be. Social interacts are as vital for the brain as oxygen. They:

• stimulate memory
• strengthen emotional processing
• maintain mental flexibility
• balance emotions
• expose us to new ideas
• help us see patterns

It's easy for our social circle to shrink. Dig a well before you are thirsty. Don't let "modern-life" crowd out people.

Remember, if you are lonely, there are a lot of people just like you. What to do?  

• make a phone call
• talk to a neighbour 
• join a club
• join a sports team
• spend time with family
• reconnect with an old friend

If you are in a lineup, instead of pulling out your phone, ask the person beside you where they found their magnificent jewelry, or what their favourite product is in their grocery basket ... the possibilities are endless. I know very few things for sure. But I know this for sure, if you do this, two people will have a better day. 

And, if you're part of the 39%, what an opportunity to improve the world!  

“Ah, look at all the lonely people.” —The Beatles. Mindful awareness is key.

This article was first published in Terry Small's Brain Bulletin newsletter.

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