When we talk about health, most of us immediately think of physical fitness, a balanced diet, or regular medical check-ups. Increasingly, mental health has entered the spotlight too. But there’s another critical and often neglected pillar of wellbeing: social health. At Lyfery Life, we believe that true, long-lasting wellness comes from nurturing all dimensions of health and social connection is foundational. Social health isn’t just about having friends; it’s about belonging, meaningful interactions, and a support system that protects you during life’s toughest moments.

What Is Social Health?

Social health is the ability to form satisfying interpersonal relationships and adapt to social situations. It reflects how we connect with others, how we manage relationships, and how supported we feel in our everyday lives.

Social health extends beyond the workplace and is fundamental to building resilient and inclusive communities. A socially healthy community is one in which members feel connected, safe, and valued. Such environments promote civic engagement, reduce crime, and support public health outcomes (Kawachi & Berkman, 2000). According to the OECD (2015), high levels of social capital trust, norms of reciprocity, and networks are associated with economic prosperity and democratic stability. When individuals actively participate in their communities, through volunteering, attending events, or informal support systems, it fosters mutual responsibility and collective wellbeing (Putnam, 2000). Moreover, strong community bonds can serve as a safety net for vulnerable populations, particularly during economic downturns or public health crises (UK Government Office for Science, 2020).

Social health includes:

• A sense of belonging
• Supportive relationships
• Healthy communication
• Feeling seen and understood
• People who are socially healthy tend to have stronger coping mechanisms, higher self-esteem, and greater resilience in the face of adversity.

The Hidden Power of Connection

The impact of social health is more than just emotional  it’s physical and clinical. Decades of research have shown that strong social connections can extend life expectancy, improve immune function, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

In contrast, loneliness and social isolation have been linked to:

• A 29% increased risk of mortality (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015)
• A 50% increased risk of developing dementia (Donovan et al., 2017)
• The same health impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010)
• Elevated levels of inflammation and stress hormones (Steptoe et al., 2004)

Why It Matters in the Workplace

The labour market is increasingly influenced by social health factors, particularly in how individuals form networks and engage with employers and colleagues. Socially healthy individuals often demonstrate better teamwork, adaptability, and conflict resolution, all of which are critical in a competitive job market (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022). In fact, research suggests that jobseekers with strong social networks are more likely to find employment, as networking often plays a key role in recruitment and career development (Granovetter, 1973). Moreover, inclusive and supportive work environments, which value interpersonal relationships, can lead to improved employee retention and organisational performance (OECD, 2019). Employers who foster healthy social interactions through mentorship, peer support, and collaborative culture also benefit from higher morale and reduced turnover rates (Gallup, 2023).

For employers, especially in the healthcare, insurance, and wellbeing sectors, recognising social health as a determinant of productivity, retention, and engagement is crucial.

Teams with high social capital are:

• 22% more productive (Gallup, 2023)
• 41% less likely to call in sick
• 5x more likely to stay at their job longer than 3 years

Organisations that promote connection through team wellbeing programmes, mentoring, and social activities see tangible improvements in staff satisfaction and performance.

Measuring Social Health: The Lyfery Approach

At Lyfery Life, we assess social health as part of our broader 360° Wellbeing Framework. Our digital wellness assessments ask questions such as:

• Do you have someone you can turn to during personal stress?
• How frequently do you interact socially?
• Do you feel lonely or socially disconnected?
• Are you part of any community group, activity, or support network?

This information helps us offer more responsive, tailored wellness plans to our clients focusing not just on what’s wrong, but what’s missing.

Improving social health doesn’t require dramatic life changes. It starts with small steps:

• Reaching out to a friend regularly
• Engaging in community events or volunteering
• Joining a walking group, book club, or digital support group
• Putting away the phone during meals

Even simple gestures saying hello to a neighbour, attending a group activity, or checking in on a colleague can make a significant difference.

The Future of Insurance: Human-Centric, Connection-Driven

As the health and insurance industry evolves, social determinants of health (SDoH) will play a key role in risk modelling, service design, and care delivery. At Lyfery, we’re integrating these insights into our insurance products, ensuring our clients are not only covered but truly cared for.

Social wellbeing doesn’t just extend life it improves its quality. It builds communities that are healthier, more connected, and more compassionate. At the core of social health lies the quality of personal relationships. Strong, supportive social relationships have been consistently linked to better physical and mental health, lower rates of depression, and even longer life expectancy (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). Social support not only helps individuals cope with stress but also enhances their ability to make healthy lifestyle choices and access services when needed (Umberson & Montez, 2010). In the workplace, having trusted colleagues and mentors can reduce burnout and foster professional growth, while in the community, friendships and family connections form the foundation of emotional resilience (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021). Encouraging positive social interactions through inclusive policies, community centres, and social prescribing initiatives has shown measurable benefits in improving individual and collective wellbeing (NHS England, 2023).

Conclusion

Social health is the thread that weaves together our physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. In today’s fast-paced, often isolated world, nurturing that thread is more important than ever.

At Lyfery Life, we are committed to shaping a future where health isn’t just personal it’s collective, connected, and complete.

Our mission is to redefine health as a shared experience where physical, mental, and social wellbeing are interconnected and equally nurtured. By fostering inclusivity, encouraging social participation, and bridging gaps in care, we aim to cultivate a culture where everyone belongs, and no one is left behind.

This article was prepared by Public Health Specialist Sakshi Shanbhag, a Lyfery partner at the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), and reviewed by Dr. Taavi Tillmann, Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of Tartu and Lyfery’s Chief Scientific Officer.

References

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