Is Social Disconnection Comparable to Smoking?

Social isolation and loneliness are significant predictors of long-term health outcomes. In this talk, Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad describes the vital importance of social relationships for lasting health. Dr. Holt-Lunstad's research about the impact of social connection on health outcomes has been highly cited, indicating that a lack of social connection is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day. She describes her research including data from more than 300,000 participants worldwide, and additional supporting evidence. Holt-Lunstad describes the critical importance for organizations, businesses, governments, and individuals to prioritize their social relationships.