Why connecting with others is good for your health

[erronis]

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-01-good-health.html

(Not sure if this is the right forum or not. Seems like there should be one on "loneliness&quot

A third of U.S. adults are lonely, and a quarter lack social and emotional support—and research underscores that's just not healthy.

"Humans are a social species. We are highly dependent on others from birth," said Elizabeth Necka, an expert on social and behavioral science at the National Institutes of Health. "So feeling socially isolated can make you feel as though you're in a very stressful situation."

And, she told NIH News in Health, stress is linked to serious health issues.

People who feel lonely or are isolated socially are not only more apt than others to develop heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, depression or anxiety, their risk for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, and even early death is also higher.

But there's good news: Growing evidence suggests that social connections are good for your health--both mentally and physically.

Researchers are working to parse out the links between health and social bonds--as well as ways to counteract the effects of social isolation and loneliness.

The two aren't quite the same. Social isolation means you have few connections with others; loneliness is how you feel when you're alone.

. . .

[Bap32108]

1. I have difficulty socializing

I get people are social beings it's just me personally I have trouble socializing anymore cause people who I thought were my friends were not really my friends. I feel like it's hard to talk and communicate with people cause I get very nervous I am not very good at socializing. I rather keep to myself.

[erronis]

2. I have trouble socializing just for the sake of socializing. Small talk seems strained and artificial.

I do like conversations with people who enjoy similar interests such as on nature walks and talking about what's around. Silence among like-minded people is also nice.

Happy to be here for you if you want.

[mitch96]

3. I was thinking about this on my morning walk..Do loners last as long as socially active people?

Being a gent of a certain age, most of my relatives and friends are gone.
On top of that, I like my alone time.I am not "lonely".
Me, myself, and I get along just fine.
When I do get into a social situation, most want to talk about
the unholy three.........
Politics, religion, or sports. No, thank you.
So what's left to talk about? Grandkids? I have none. Weather? Yes....sometimes.But What else?
How do you handle this information about loaners?
Will you "last as long“ being a loner....?
Things to ponder on my walk...
m

[erronis]

4. I'll guess we're both getting up there and have learned to if not "like ourselves", to at least get along.

I've been married and had long-term relationships several times as well as some significant alone time.

I value both. I do like having someone close that likes to share many things, but there are usually things that aren't shared, and even desired with most couples/etc. I am jealous of those that have worked everything out to perfect harmoniousness.

Nowadays I find my best companionship with people that also enjoy nature and the outdoors. I'm not particularly knowledgeable about many things in nature but I feel a connection and a calming while being close. Good companions also have similar feelings and are comfortable with quiet appreciation.

Sometimes there might be a mention of current events (the unholy three), but they are quickly lost in the natural surroundings.