Addressing Social Isolation with a Systems Approach with Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad

Restorative Works!

Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad to the Restorative Works! Podcast, public health series. In this series of episodes, we discuss the US Surgeon General's recent report, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation with experts in the public health field.

Humans are social creatures and like all social species, have a better chance of survival when they are in community as opposed to experiencing isolation. As shown through data in the report, the risk of pre-mature death increases up to 29% for those who experience social isolation. Those who are more socially connected live longer. Dr. HoltLunstad explains the difference between perceived loneliness and social isolation and discusses how various systems affect our ability to connect, shifting from an individualistic lens to a wider perspective.

Dr. Holt-Lunstad's research focuses on the individual and population health effects, biological mechanisms, and effective strategies to mitigate risk and promote protection associated with social connection. Her research has been seminal in the recognition of social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for early mortality. As the lead scientific editor for a US Surgeon General’s Advisory and Framework for a National Strategy, her work also focuses on translating evidence into practice and policy. She is a professor of psychology and neuroscience, and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University. She is also the founding scientific chair and board member for the U.S. Foundation for Social Connection and the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection.

Tune in to learn more about Dr. Holt-Lunstad's perspective on the complexities of addressing lack of social connection and recognizing systemically manufactured isolation in communities.