The importance of social connection in maintaining our health

Even before the pandemic, reports showed that half of all adults experienced measurable levels of loneliness. In 2023, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released a report highlighting the physical consequences of loneliness and isolation, such as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Murthy emphasized the importance of social connection for individual and community health and well-being. This concept of social connection is something that Deb Bibbins, the Founder and CEO of For All Ages, has dedicated her time to.

At the International Festival of Arts and Ideas in New Haven, we had the opportunity to speak with Deb Bibbins about the importance of social connection as the foundation of our health. She leads For All Ages, an organization that brings together older adults and younger generations, as well as the Connecticut Collaborative to End Loneliness, a statewide initiative aimed at addressing loneliness in the community. Bibbins sheds light on how crucial social connection is for our overall well-being.

Guest: Deb Bibbins – Founder and CEO of For All Ages and the Connecticut Collaborative to End Loneliness

To hear more about our coverage on loneliness, you can listen to Where We Live as a podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, and more. Don’t forget to subscribe to never miss an episode.