By Michael Hayes Rotary Club of Conroe September 27, 2024

Most people were not aware that in 2023, the US Surgeon General declared loneliness to be an urgent public health problem and issued a public health advisory.  In his statement, the he said that advisories are reserved for significant health challenges that require the nation’s immediate awareness and action.

Loneliness is defined in the advisory as the distressing experience that occurs from the perception of being isolated or having inadequate meaningful connections with others.  That results in a feeling of social disconnection, caused by having an inadequate social network.  

The loneliness issue is not one that happened overnight. Not a result of a single cause, many factors went into the disconnection that has occurred.  Changes in the business world changed how people work and interact. The locally owned business gave way to the corporate approach, and redefined jobs, work and community. 

The social changes and disruptions of the 60s. changed the social fabric of the country.  People became more divided and isolated, and becoming much less trusting of first of the government then of one another. The decline in trust and social division continues today with society becoming more toxic.  The end of the 2000s saw the end of many social and community organizations, which contributed to the isolation.

The 90s brought the personal computer, which intruded into our lives in business as well as personal and changed how we work.  The additional development of phones and tablets continues to isolate us.  Even prior to Covid, only 39% of people in the US felt connected. The social isolation we all experienced during the pandemic is what the lonely and disconnected feel every day.

Why is this a public health crisis? Studies show loneliness can increase the risk of premature death by 26% and social isolation by 29%.  The effects increase the chance for heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety and depression.  Health effects increase work absenteeism, medical costs among both working people and the elderly.  

So how might the isolated go about finding social connection?  First, acknowledge that their circumstance is not a failure on their part.  Recognize that social connection is a healthy choice.  Social connection extends beyond just meeting people, it means to become part of a community and participating in that community.

Opportunities for social connection abound.  Participation in a faith-based organization is one significant opportunity.  Not only is the commonality of belief a starting point in the relationship building, but the opportunity to participate in community supporting and community building activities provides that sense of common purpose needed to developing lasting social connections.  

Another opportunity is with civic organizations, like Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs.  Those are fellowship and service-based organizations, where friendship, fellowship, social connection, and service intersect.   Those civic organizations help to create lifetime friendships, a social structure, the ability to generate trust, and the opportunity to build community.  If you are interested, go to a meeting, their times and locations are listed in the organization’s website.  If you decide to attend a meeting, ask to meet the Membership Chair, and you will be welcomed. 

The Rotary Club of Conroe meets each Tuesday at noon at Honor Cafe, 103 N. Thompson, in downtown Conroe. 

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