In its 2025 global report the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection recognized social health as the third pillar of health (https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death). Strong social connections can lead to better health and longer life. Social connection can protect health across the lifespan. It can reduce inflammation, lower the risk of serious health problems, foster mental health, and prevent early death. It can also strengthen the social fabric, contributing to making communities healthier, safer and more prosperous.

Social Health: The individual’s competencies to engage in social life and the structure, function, and appraisal of their social environment. Vernooij-Dassen et al. (2022)

Social Connection: The feeling of belonging and having enough support and care. Three dimensions: structure, function, and quality. Holt-Lunstad et al. (2025) WHO (2025)