Name: Why social health is key to happiness and longevity
Uploaded: 2025-02-24T15:45:56Z
Duration: 9 min 35 s
Description: You know it's important to take care of your physical and mental health. But what about your social health? Social scientist Kasley Killam shows how feeling a sense of belonging and connection has concrete benefits to your overall health — and explains why it may be the missing key to living a longer and happier life.

Kasley Killam: Why social health is key to happiness and longevity

Why social health is key to happiness and longevity

You know it's important to take care of your physical and mental health. But what about your social health? Social scientist Kasley Killam shows how feeling a sense of belonging and connection has concrete benefits to your overall health — and explains why it may be the missing key to living a longer and happier life.

Physical and mental health matter, but thriving also depends on strong relationships and a sense of belonging. One in four people worldwide report feeling lonely, and disconnection increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, and early death. Prioritizing meaningful connections, both in quantity and quality, can have a greater impact on health and happiness than diet or exercise alone. Shifting culture to value social health could help everyone live longer and better lives.