by Sharon Brock | Jan 24, 2025 | Social Engagement, Mental Health
By Sharon Brock, MEd, MS Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General published an advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community. This advisory was based on decades of research on the impact of social connection on mental and physical health and brought...
by Sharon Brock | Oct 1, 2024 | Social Engagement, Mental Health
By Sharon Brock, MEd, MS The “epidemic of loneliness” has exacerbated feelings of disconnection and isolation, especially within the past five years. Among U.S. adults, 53 percent say they have between one and four close friends, and 8 percent say they...
by Nikki Molumphy | Oct 1, 2024 | Social Engagement, Mental Health
By Nikki Molumphy Reflect on the last time you formed a genuine friendship. It’s perfectly fine if it feels like it has been a while–the average U.S. adult hasn’t made a new friend in 5 years even though 61 percent of them say having close friends is...
by Yasaman Nourkhalaj & Sharon Brock | Sep 30, 2024 | Social Engagement, Mental Health
By Yasaman Nourkhalaj and Sharon Brock, MEd, MS Research has shown that social isolation not only negatively impacts our mental health but can also take a toll on our physical health. This association has piqued the attention of healthcare professionals, leading some...
by Tanya Thakur & Sharon Brock | Sep 30, 2024 | Social Engagement, Mental Health
By Tanya Thakur, MBBS and Sharon Brock, MEd, MS Making new friends in midlife and beyond can be challenging with our busy lives. Studies show that over a third of adults aged 45 and older often feel lonely, and nearly a quarter of adults 65 and older are socially...
