Socialisation provides a stable basis of love and support. Relationships with close friends and family give us strength and stability, particularly when celebrating life’s joys and mourning life’s sadnesses.

Tech innovation might have increased the potential for connectedness to the world, yet conversely people often report feeling less connected to others, even to those we love. How many times have you sat on a train or in a café on your phone and not looked up and smiled at anyone? Or found yourself lost on your screen on the latest app, social media or news platform when you should be enjoying the company of friends or family? Does the ping of a text message pull you away from actual human interaction?

In 2023, a scientific paper entitled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” (the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf) reported that an average American used the internet for 6 hours a day. Check your screen time on your phone - it’s generally much higher than one imagines it would be.

Making connections with other Human Beings is the true meaning of life and love. Sharing laughter and tears, and all the depth of the human experience, is at the heart of our wellbeing. Beautiful memories are made when we are fully present.

Harvard University studies have shown that the key to healthy aging is relationships. One study found that relationships are the best predictor for life satisfaction, far outweighing others such as social class, wealth, IQ and genetics. The most important take away from this study was relationship satisfaction, which had a direct impact on physical health: “the single greatest predictor of physical health at age 80 was relationship status at age 50.”

So, it is imperative to build our social wellbeing at different levels. If you usually nod at people when you are out on a dog walk or at a sports match, try smiling and saying hello. Perhaps walk your dogs together or chat on the sidelines of the football field. That daily or weekly face-to-face connection is so important for your longevity.

To combat loneliness, consider creating a book group, hiking group or supper club. There are many people who would welcome the chance for greater connections. A sense of belonging makes us feel good, so revisit church or a society, volunteer with a charity. Find something that resonates with you and prioritise it as a regular activity. Each week, when people say your name, smile and welcome you, you’ll be doing your health the biggest favour!

Finally, if you were going to perform your own concert, who would you want in the front row? Your parents, children, siblings, friends? Love these front row cheerleaders, message them, call them, spend time with them while you can and cherish the memories you make with them. It all adds up to better connections, better health.