Social isolation is a public health problem. An individual’s perceived isolation or loneliness impacts their health, both mentally and physically. Interestingly, this perception is more telling than any objective measure: how someone interprets their social connectedness, or lack thereof, is more definitive of the consequential effect on their health than a more scientific definition of their social situation. For example, someone could, by definition, have a large social circle, but if that someone feels isolated from it, or doesn’t see the connectedness, then it doesn’t matter how connected they might be in theory. Feeling disconnected is as powerful as actually being disconnected.

I find it interesting that in a world of growing technology that allows us to connect with people more than ever, social isolation and loneliness are still prevalent. I find it interesting, but I don’t find it surprising. Because, for one, not everyone subscribes to the technology (e.g., many elderly people do not use social media), and two, the visibility of other people’s social connectedness (e.g., friends/followers on social media) invites subsequent comparison, unhealthily so. I use social media as an example because it is so prevalent and relevant. But even with something that is theoretically designed to connect us all, social isolation is still prevalent, and it’s causing health problems.

How does a social problem like loneliness become a health problem?

There is a lot of research to show that social isolation and loneliness impact health. A systematic overview found a significant association between social isolation and loneliness and all-cause mortality, and between social isolation and cardiovascular disease.¹ Similarly, another study found that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke, independent of conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors.² Loneliness is its own risk factor for heart health—it quite literally leads to heartache. Perhaps this is why we feel something in our heart space when we feel lonely. Sure, that’s a stretch (and definitely not backed by science), but it’s a thought.

So, what do we do with this kind of information? The implications of this research are that social isolation and loneliness should be considered significant upstream factors impacting morbidity and mortality because of their effects on cardiovascular and mental health.¹ With that, researchers argue that prevention measures should be developed across the public sectors. And I would argue that such measures must consider perceived social isolation since the impact of both objective and subjective social isolation on risk for mortality is comparable with well-established risk factors for mortality.³ This brings me back to the concept that what matters is how we personally interpret our social situation, not how it looks on paper. Feeling socially isolated is in the eye of the beholder, and it takes root deep down.

Of note, I conducted a very small review of the literature, but the studies I did look into were systematic reviews in themselves and were consistent in their findings: social isolation and loneliness negatively impact health, increasing morbidity and mortality, which makes them public health problems.

Being a sensitive person and a businesswoman for social good, I want to do something about this, especially now when isolation is practically forced upon us to protect public health. How’s that for a little irony? Don’t get me wrong—I fully support social distancing measures right now, but I can’t deny that isolating ourselves physically is exacerbating the problem of perceived social isolation. It’s necessary but threatening.

Now is a prime opportunity to think about upstream measures to curb social isolation. My idea of an upstream measure just so happens to come in the form of snail mail. Sending handwritten cards is a small but tangible way of connecting with people. It’s more personal and takes a little more effort than sending any type of electronic message, which is significant in and of itself in this world of quick convenience. Also, getting something good in the mail is special—it’s a rarity and thus meaningful.

EVR Creative cards are different because of their buy one, donate one mission. Since each card purchased is matched with a card to be donated to someone who is likely feeling more socially isolated, such as people in nursing homes or homeless shelters, one card connects more than just two people. The pay it forward idea helps spread kindness and connection.

In public health, we say an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. Cards weigh right about one ounce, go figure. I believe handwritten cards can help curb social isolation, especially now and especially when received unexpectedly. This is part of my motivation to sell cards on a one-for-one basis. When someone buys a card, they sponsor a card for someone else, and I have the opportunity to use my love and skill for writing to create a card for them that will exude a little warmheartedness—the antidote to loneliness. Little by little, I believe these cards can help combat loneliness.

References

1. An overview of systematic reviews on the public health consequences of social isolation and loneliness. (2017, November 1). ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0033350617302731?via%3Dihub
2. Valtorta, N. K. (2018, August 2). Loneliness, social isolation and risk of cardiovascular disease in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30068233/
3. Holt-Lunstad, J. (2015, March). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25910392/