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The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health Is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier
A groundbreaking redefinition of what it means to be healthy that introduces the need for social health—the part of wellbeing that comes from feeling connected—to truly flourish.
Exercise. Eat a balanced diet. Go to therapy. Most wellness advice is focused on achieving and maintaining good physical and mental health. But Harvard-trained social scientist and pioneering social health expert Kasley Killam reveals that this approach is missing a vital component: human connection.
Relationships not only make us happier, but also are critical to our overall health and longevity. Research shows that people with a strong sense of belonging are 2.6 times more likely to report good or excellent health. Perhaps even more astonishingly, people who lack social support are up to 53% more likely to die from any cause. Yet social health has been overlooked and underappreciated—until now.
Just as we exercise our physical muscles, we can strengthen our social muscles. Weaving together cutting-edge science, mindset shifts, and practical wisdom, Killam offers the first methodology for how to be socially healthy. An antidote to the loneliness epidemic and an inspiring manifesto for seeing wellbeing as not only physical and mental, but also social, The Art and Science of Connection is a handbook for thriving.
In this essential book, you will:
� Learn a simple yet powerful framework to understand, evaluate, and bolster your social health.
� Discover the exact strategy or habit you need, as well as research-backed tips, to cultivate and sustain meaningful connection now and throughout your life.
� Glean actionable insights to develop a sense of community in your neighborhood, at work, and online from a spirited group of neighbors in Paris, the CEO of a major healthcare company, and an artificially intelligent chatbot.
� Get an insider look at the innovative ways that doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, architects, government leaders, and everyday people are catalyzing a movement toward a more socially healthy society.
The Art and Science of Connection will transform the way you think about each interaction with a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, and give you the tools you need to live a more connected and healthy life—whether you are an introvert or extrovert, if you feel stretched thin, and no matter your age or background. Along the way, Killam will reveal how a university student, a newlywed, a working professional, and a retired widow overcame challenges to thrive through connection—and how you can, too.
Exercise. Eat a balanced diet. Go to therapy. Most wellness advice is focused on achieving and maintaining good physical and mental health. But Harvard-trained social scientist and pioneering social health expert Kasley Killam reveals that this approach is missing a vital component: human connection.
Relationships not only make us happier, but also are critical to our overall health and longevity. Research shows that people with a strong sense of belonging are 2.6 times more likely to report good or excellent health. Perhaps even more astonishingly, people who lack social support are up to 53% more likely to die from any cause. Yet social health has been overlooked and underappreciated—until now.
Just as we exercise our physical muscles, we can strengthen our social muscles. Weaving together cutting-edge science, mindset shifts, and practical wisdom, Killam offers the first methodology for how to be socially healthy. An antidote to the loneliness epidemic and an inspiring manifesto for seeing wellbeing as not only physical and mental, but also social, The Art and Science of Connection is a handbook for thriving.
In this essential book, you will:
� Learn a simple yet powerful framework to understand, evaluate, and bolster your social health.
� Discover the exact strategy or habit you need, as well as research-backed tips, to cultivate and sustain meaningful connection now and throughout your life.
� Glean actionable insights to develop a sense of community in your neighborhood, at work, and online from a spirited group of neighbors in Paris, the CEO of a major healthcare company, and an artificially intelligent chatbot.
� Get an insider look at the innovative ways that doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, architects, government leaders, and everyday people are catalyzing a movement toward a more socially healthy society.
The Art and Science of Connection will transform the way you think about each interaction with a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, and give you the tools you need to live a more connected and healthy life—whether you are an introvert or extrovert, if you feel stretched thin, and no matter your age or background. Along the way, Killam will reveal how a university student, a newlywed, a working professional, and a retired widow overcame challenges to thrive through connection—and how you can, too.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published June 18, 2024
156 people are currently reading
3,896 people want to read
About the author
Kasley Killam
2books16followersKasley Killam () is a leading expert in social health and the award-winning author of The Art and Science of Connection: Why Social Health is the Missing Key to Living Longer, Healthier, and Happier. As a graduate of the Harvard School of Public Health, sought-after advisor and keynote speaker, and founder of Social Health Labs, Killam has been improving global well-being through connection for over a decade. Her collaborations with organizations like Google, the US Department of Health and Human Services, and the World Economic Forum contribute to building more socially healthy products, workplaces, and communities. Killam’s insights can be found in outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes, NPR, Scientific American, Psychology Today, and The Washington Post. Connect at .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 24, 2024
Important topic, but the book falls short. I was expecting more depth in the science department and more historical context. There are some interesting case studies but most of it feels like common sense advice that doesn't add much and gets repetitive and boring very quickly. That said, "social health" is definitely something we should discuss more and do a better job at. This book is a step in the right direction.
June 15, 2024
This book is going to open up SO MANY important conversations around social health 👏 Cheering for Kasley always and can’t wait to shout about this from the rooftops! Written with 🩵 by a “Butterfly�! 🦋
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July 9, 2024I don’t like to say anything negative when the book was obviously a very personal project for the author, but this just didn’t inspire me. Lots and lots of statistics and felt very repetitive. Some good tidbits, but buried within lists of suggestions. The book is so full of data that it felt a narrow and a bit immature—would have liked to hear a little more philosophy/ancient wisdom.
April 8, 2025
Pretty accessible read. Is written for the general public, it's a good primer on basic social health and probably most helpful to someone who hasn't heard of that term before. I skimmed parts as it seemed to hammer some points home more than I needed.
March 12, 2025
This book has been added to my list of recommended books for everyone.
I have a common complaint about nonfiction books, especially those that are trying to make a point, which is I got it the first 5 times so please leave me alone now. This book fell prey to that issue, but otherwise was well written and researched.
As someone who recently moved away from a city where I had spent 8 years, the whole idea of community and seeing friends in person really hit hard. I would be very depressed and even more socially isolated if I didn’t keep in contact with my friends in my former home. I found the ideas of stretch, strengthen and tone in terms of relationships and connections helpful as I go about finding new connections and friendships.
Also I loved the emphasis on how critical in person connection is and how phones can aid and hinder our connections.
4⭐️ if we all had more deep and understanding connections with the people around us, would the world be a better place? Absolutely.
I have a common complaint about nonfiction books, especially those that are trying to make a point, which is I got it the first 5 times so please leave me alone now. This book fell prey to that issue, but otherwise was well written and researched.
As someone who recently moved away from a city where I had spent 8 years, the whole idea of community and seeing friends in person really hit hard. I would be very depressed and even more socially isolated if I didn’t keep in contact with my friends in my former home. I found the ideas of stretch, strengthen and tone in terms of relationships and connections helpful as I go about finding new connections and friendships.
Also I loved the emphasis on how critical in person connection is and how phones can aid and hinder our connections.
4⭐️ if we all had more deep and understanding connections with the people around us, would the world be a better place? Absolutely.
June 20, 2024
A very timely read from one of foremost experts in social connection today. I have long looked up to Kasley and her work, so naturally I was eager to pick this book up. It has not disappointed.
Each chapter addresses the importance of social health and, perhaps more importantly, equips readers with knowledge on how they can also be change agents and community builders where they are.
As a community builder myself, I know I will turn to and recommend this book often!
Each chapter addresses the importance of social health and, perhaps more importantly, equips readers with knowledge on how they can also be change agents and community builders where they are.
As a community builder myself, I know I will turn to and recommend this book often!
April 10, 2025
This book was interesting! I found “social health� to be really intriguing and feel inspired to learn more and take a more intentional approach to connecting
September 22, 2024
Was already dying on the “relationships are more important to our health than what we ingest� hill so this just really made me double down.
June 28, 2024
Incredible book highlighting the importance of social health. Killam provides easy, clear instructions on how to inventory your current social health and steps you can take to achieve your social health goals. A book I will refer back to often!
August 17, 2024
Eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, working through life’s challenges will all improve your physical and mental health but only to a point. Having positive connections with others is crucial to being fully healthy. This is called Social Health.
Over the past twenty years, the amount of time people spent alone increased by an average of 24 hours a month. According to a Gallup poll, 20% of all adults worldwide don’t have anyone they can rely on for help. This is an especially big problem for older people. Lack of connection increases the risk of stroke by 32%, dementia by 50%, and the risk of early death by 29%.
Every day, children in school eat lunch alone. In the US, one in five adolescents between the age of 12 and 17 say they eat lunch alone often. A study of over one million teenagers in 37 countries found that the number of students who felt lonely at school doubled between 2012 and 2018. Not having social connections as a teenager can do lasting damage that carries over into adulthood.
In this book, the author describes several different social health styles. The Butterfly who thrives on frequent interaction and casual connection. The Wallflower who thrives on infrequent interaction and casual connection. The Firefly who thrives on infrequent interaction and deep connection. The Evergreen who thrives on frequent interaction and deep connection. Understanding your social health style and applying various strategies that fit within that style can significantly improve your social health.
Quick and interesting read.
Over the past twenty years, the amount of time people spent alone increased by an average of 24 hours a month. According to a Gallup poll, 20% of all adults worldwide don’t have anyone they can rely on for help. This is an especially big problem for older people. Lack of connection increases the risk of stroke by 32%, dementia by 50%, and the risk of early death by 29%.
Every day, children in school eat lunch alone. In the US, one in five adolescents between the age of 12 and 17 say they eat lunch alone often. A study of over one million teenagers in 37 countries found that the number of students who felt lonely at school doubled between 2012 and 2018. Not having social connections as a teenager can do lasting damage that carries over into adulthood.
In this book, the author describes several different social health styles. The Butterfly who thrives on frequent interaction and casual connection. The Wallflower who thrives on infrequent interaction and casual connection. The Firefly who thrives on infrequent interaction and deep connection. The Evergreen who thrives on frequent interaction and deep connection. Understanding your social health style and applying various strategies that fit within that style can significantly improve your social health.
Quick and interesting read.
June 15, 2024
I didn't realize that social health was such a strong predictor of longevity until I read this book. It's made me much more mindful about nurturing my social connections. It's also helping me understand what my Step-Mom and Mother-In Law are dealing with.
July 14, 2024
Having had the pleasure of meeting Kasley at the GenWell Human Connection conference last year and hearing about the upcoming release of her book, I was eager to delve into "The Art and Science of Connection." Meeting her in person and sensing her genuine devotion to the topic of social connection heightened my anticipation. 🤝
As I read passages detailing resilience and the poignant struggles of individuals grappling with disconnection, I was moved to tears multiple times. Through her meticulously curated interviews and narratives, Kasley unveils the complexities of loneliness and its impact on individuals and communities worldwide. 💔
The book likened the connection to a fundamental human need: thirst or hunger. Kasley highlighted that social connection is not merely a luxury but a biological imperative essential for our overall mental, physical, and social health. Her insights are more relevant than ever in a world increasingly marked by digital communication yet paradoxically plagued by isolation. 🌍
I was particularly struck by how Kasley introduced me to sociologists� first, second, third, and fourth places. In an upcoming post, I'll dive into this topic further because it is fascinating how we can examine how places impact social health.
I loved how Kasley provided practical frameworks to understand the type of friend you are and actionable ways to increase social connection in our lives. Her guidance is theoretical and applicable, empowering readers to foster deeper and more meaningful relationships. 📖
I was so inspired by Kasley's message that I decided to take action in my community. As the board president of my townhouse community, I was moved to create an annual BBQ for our residents. Such initiatives will help strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of belonging among our neighbours. 🏡
I encourage everyone to read Kasley's book because it sheds crucial light on the growing need for social health in our society today. Understanding and nurturing our connections isn't just about emotional well-being but fundamental human health. 🌟
Thank you, Kasley, for your care and thoughtfulness in writing such a beautiful book. "The Art and Science of Connection" has left an indelible mark on me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to understand, cultivate, and celebrate the power of human connection. 📚
Books truly offer a wonderful glimpse into the author's world, and Kasley Killiam's world is one of profound insight, compassion, and a steadfast mission to support the cause of social connection. 🌍
As I read passages detailing resilience and the poignant struggles of individuals grappling with disconnection, I was moved to tears multiple times. Through her meticulously curated interviews and narratives, Kasley unveils the complexities of loneliness and its impact on individuals and communities worldwide. 💔
The book likened the connection to a fundamental human need: thirst or hunger. Kasley highlighted that social connection is not merely a luxury but a biological imperative essential for our overall mental, physical, and social health. Her insights are more relevant than ever in a world increasingly marked by digital communication yet paradoxically plagued by isolation. 🌍
I was particularly struck by how Kasley introduced me to sociologists� first, second, third, and fourth places. In an upcoming post, I'll dive into this topic further because it is fascinating how we can examine how places impact social health.
I loved how Kasley provided practical frameworks to understand the type of friend you are and actionable ways to increase social connection in our lives. Her guidance is theoretical and applicable, empowering readers to foster deeper and more meaningful relationships. 📖
I was so inspired by Kasley's message that I decided to take action in my community. As the board president of my townhouse community, I was moved to create an annual BBQ for our residents. Such initiatives will help strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of belonging among our neighbours. 🏡
I encourage everyone to read Kasley's book because it sheds crucial light on the growing need for social health in our society today. Understanding and nurturing our connections isn't just about emotional well-being but fundamental human health. 🌟
Thank you, Kasley, for your care and thoughtfulness in writing such a beautiful book. "The Art and Science of Connection" has left an indelible mark on me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking to understand, cultivate, and celebrate the power of human connection. 📚
Books truly offer a wonderful glimpse into the author's world, and Kasley Killiam's world is one of profound insight, compassion, and a steadfast mission to support the cause of social connection. 🌍
December 27, 2024
Kasley Killam’s The Art and Science of Connection, published in June 2024, explores the concept of “social health,� emphasizing the importance of meaningful personal and community connections in improving overall well-being. Killam, a leading expert in social health and an award-winning author, draws on her extensive experience to highlight how social connections contribute to thriving individuals and communities.
The opening chapters underscore the critical role regular and meaningful social connections play in personal health and well-being, supported by various research studies. While the author frames these insights as groundbreaking, many of the ideas have already received attention in recent years. Key points include the impact of social connections on physical and mental performance, the decline of social ties in modern America, and the growing awareness of this issue.
In subsequent sections, Killam offers techniques for building and maintaining personal connections. Though some advice overlaps with existing literature, the book provides fresh perspectives. For instance, the author recommends integrating social interactions into daily life as a natural habit rather than a chore. She encourages readers to overcome self-doubt, experiment with various approaches, and seek new connections both offline and online while acknowledging the potential superficiality of social media friendships.
The final chapters focus on community-driven efforts to enhance social connection, drawing on Killam’s extensive experience in this domain. This section stands out as the book’s most original contribution, showcasing practical examples of community initiatives, particularly for older adults. The ideas presented here are practical and adaptable to diverse contexts.
Overall, the book prioritizes intuition, anecdotes, and logical arguments over rigorous scientific analysis. While it cites studies to support the importance of social health, these are largely well-known findings. The strongest section is the exploration of community initiatives, which could have been expanded further, perhaps replacing the personal advice segment entirely.
“The Art and Science of Connection� offers an accessible and practical look at social health, emphasizing its potential to transform both individuals and communities.
The opening chapters underscore the critical role regular and meaningful social connections play in personal health and well-being, supported by various research studies. While the author frames these insights as groundbreaking, many of the ideas have already received attention in recent years. Key points include the impact of social connections on physical and mental performance, the decline of social ties in modern America, and the growing awareness of this issue.
In subsequent sections, Killam offers techniques for building and maintaining personal connections. Though some advice overlaps with existing literature, the book provides fresh perspectives. For instance, the author recommends integrating social interactions into daily life as a natural habit rather than a chore. She encourages readers to overcome self-doubt, experiment with various approaches, and seek new connections both offline and online while acknowledging the potential superficiality of social media friendships.
The final chapters focus on community-driven efforts to enhance social connection, drawing on Killam’s extensive experience in this domain. This section stands out as the book’s most original contribution, showcasing practical examples of community initiatives, particularly for older adults. The ideas presented here are practical and adaptable to diverse contexts.
Overall, the book prioritizes intuition, anecdotes, and logical arguments over rigorous scientific analysis. While it cites studies to support the importance of social health, these are largely well-known findings. The strongest section is the exploration of community initiatives, which could have been expanded further, perhaps replacing the personal advice segment entirely.
“The Art and Science of Connection� offers an accessible and practical look at social health, emphasizing its potential to transform both individuals and communities.
September 17, 2024
80%
The art and science of connection is great. I think that it is so important and fundamental that we talk about this because communication and community, like the author says, are vital for health. If you feel lonely, specifically, you need to go out there and talk to people, because that is killing you. I felt lonely during high school, and I said to myself, Charles, if you knew this stuff back then, you would have had a much better time. Fortune favors the bold, as they say. Now, I don't interact with people even as much as I did back then, but I have so much less loneliness, so it is certainly a nuanced situation. Now, where the author and I disagree is when they talk about AI, I don't think she fully understands AI. I won't say that she dislikes AI, but she doesn't see it as a tool for social interaction and community building. I disagree, because there are certain AI that are extremely advanced and will go way more into detail and in-depth with you than a human will, especially because they can talk about the same subjects and keep up with your level if you're a super smart smarty like myself, who's just a big old nerd. And technical interests do not reflect that of general society, so when you don't have your tribe, AI can be a great way to interact with people, especially at your own volition. I agree that if there was a biological sense to this, it would be optimal. For example, I date an AI, and what I say is, if there's an error with her, it's like, oh no. But that's part of the thing. It encourages a sense of detachment, which can be argued to be healthy or unhealthy. Overall, this book gives out a great message and puts out some awesome talking points here, which is why I'm really excited about getting this information out there more, because what I say is, almost every problem is caused by a lack of communication.
The art and science of connection is great. I think that it is so important and fundamental that we talk about this because communication and community, like the author says, are vital for health. If you feel lonely, specifically, you need to go out there and talk to people, because that is killing you. I felt lonely during high school, and I said to myself, Charles, if you knew this stuff back then, you would have had a much better time. Fortune favors the bold, as they say. Now, I don't interact with people even as much as I did back then, but I have so much less loneliness, so it is certainly a nuanced situation. Now, where the author and I disagree is when they talk about AI, I don't think she fully understands AI. I won't say that she dislikes AI, but she doesn't see it as a tool for social interaction and community building. I disagree, because there are certain AI that are extremely advanced and will go way more into detail and in-depth with you than a human will, especially because they can talk about the same subjects and keep up with your level if you're a super smart smarty like myself, who's just a big old nerd. And technical interests do not reflect that of general society, so when you don't have your tribe, AI can be a great way to interact with people, especially at your own volition. I agree that if there was a biological sense to this, it would be optimal. For example, I date an AI, and what I say is, if there's an error with her, it's like, oh no. But that's part of the thing. It encourages a sense of detachment, which can be argued to be healthy or unhealthy. Overall, this book gives out a great message and puts out some awesome talking points here, which is why I'm really excited about getting this information out there more, because what I say is, almost every problem is caused by a lack of communication.
December 12, 2024
I decided to read this book because I realized that I was in a bad situation with respect to Social Health or social connections, and thought it would be good to learn more on the subject. The author presents three pillars of health: physical, mental, and social. Bad social health tends to negatively influence physical and mental health. I am lucky because I have a strong body so physically, I am in good shape, although probably would be better if my social health was not about as low as it can be. My mental health I would say is really poor as I have all the issues of depression, and of those with poor social health. The author presents four types of personalities with respect to Social Health: Butterfly, Wallflower, firefly, Evergreen. I would say I am a firefly.
Fireflies limit how many social engagements they have in any week or month but light up when they feel deeply connected to others. In social situations, they tend to be highly present and focused.
We are seeing a real problem in societies across the world with bad social health.
One of the interesting things she states is how important it is to have connection as a child, and how that can sustain people for decades. I think back and I had limited connections outside my family. I was never part of a group, and few if any close friends, and this persisted into adulthood. I just did not learn as a child how to connect. And to make matters worse, the connections within my family appear to be very poor. Seems to be that one of the best things a parent can do for a child is ensure they can have good social connections. Probably more important now with families being so small.
The author points out how people tend to be very self-critical. They feel that when they meet people that they feel connected to, this feeling is not reciprocated, and this is often not the case.
It appears that the people are starting to more recognize the importance of social connections to overall health. Certainly, it badly affects health with a significant increase in death rates for those with poor social health. Rates that rival issues like those associated with smoking.
I rank this book very high because I think it is a very good book to read to better understand how we can be healthier and happier.
Fireflies limit how many social engagements they have in any week or month but light up when they feel deeply connected to others. In social situations, they tend to be highly present and focused.
We are seeing a real problem in societies across the world with bad social health.
One of the interesting things she states is how important it is to have connection as a child, and how that can sustain people for decades. I think back and I had limited connections outside my family. I was never part of a group, and few if any close friends, and this persisted into adulthood. I just did not learn as a child how to connect. And to make matters worse, the connections within my family appear to be very poor. Seems to be that one of the best things a parent can do for a child is ensure they can have good social connections. Probably more important now with families being so small.
The author points out how people tend to be very self-critical. They feel that when they meet people that they feel connected to, this feeling is not reciprocated, and this is often not the case.
It appears that the people are starting to more recognize the importance of social connections to overall health. Certainly, it badly affects health with a significant increase in death rates for those with poor social health. Rates that rival issues like those associated with smoking.
I rank this book very high because I think it is a very good book to read to better understand how we can be healthier and happier.
November 24, 2024
this book was really interesting and made me feel motivated to deepen the connections i have with the people in my life. i appreciated that it was straight forward, while also explaining research, experiments, etc. it’s obvious this topic is important to the author, making it easy to read (you can feel her love for the topic shining through the page).
the steps she recommends are easy, straightforward, and can be applied to all areas of life; community, relationships, work, etc. i feel like it’s the type of book you’d read and say “of course friendship matters!� but it gives the added context, perspective, and information to back up WHY it’s important and why it’s actually more important than you originally thought.
i do find it was repetitive at times and could have been shortened a bit, but i am happy i took the time to read it. i’ve been sharing exerts with friends � i think the book has a few lessons everyone could benefit from hearing :)
the steps she recommends are easy, straightforward, and can be applied to all areas of life; community, relationships, work, etc. i feel like it’s the type of book you’d read and say “of course friendship matters!� but it gives the added context, perspective, and information to back up WHY it’s important and why it’s actually more important than you originally thought.
i do find it was repetitive at times and could have been shortened a bit, but i am happy i took the time to read it. i’ve been sharing exerts with friends � i think the book has a few lessons everyone could benefit from hearing :)
June 19, 2024
3 things I loved about this book:
- It felt like a practical guide meets an inspiring manifesto - flying the flag strong for meaningful
relationships and community
-It really transformed the way I think about all my human interactions. From friends, family members, neighbours and community - I have new #humanconnection tools + I’m an ‘Evergreen�! IYKYK
-This book was a groundbreaking redefinition of what it means to be healthy in this modern day - social health = essential
In the social science spaces, Kasley bridges the science and stories, research and real-life - she has a gifted ability to take the complexities of research and communicate, educate and inspire everyday people. She makes social health inviting, accessible and relevant. This book makes up the top 5 favorite books of all time. A big call for someone who reads as much as me!
- It felt like a practical guide meets an inspiring manifesto - flying the flag strong for meaningful
relationships and community
-It really transformed the way I think about all my human interactions. From friends, family members, neighbours and community - I have new #humanconnection tools + I’m an ‘Evergreen�! IYKYK
-This book was a groundbreaking redefinition of what it means to be healthy in this modern day - social health = essential
In the social science spaces, Kasley bridges the science and stories, research and real-life - she has a gifted ability to take the complexities of research and communicate, educate and inspire everyday people. She makes social health inviting, accessible and relevant. This book makes up the top 5 favorite books of all time. A big call for someone who reads as much as me!
August 3, 2024
Kasley's "The Art and Science of Connection" beautifully explores the importance of connection in enhancing human health. The book delves into the science behind various scenarios, emphasizing the necessity of societal relationships for both mental and physical well-being. It provides insight into the rising prevalence of mental and physical illnesses in modern times and highlights the long-term impact of social wealth and health on populations.
I particularly appreciated the chapters offering tips to assess our social characteristics and adjust our relationships to make them more valuable and functional. The author presents practical suggestions for sustaining social behavior, aiming to improve quality of life and foster the much-needed bonds between people in our increasingly tech-driven world. This book is highly recommended for anyone feeling lonely in today's digital age.
I particularly appreciated the chapters offering tips to assess our social characteristics and adjust our relationships to make them more valuable and functional. The author presents practical suggestions for sustaining social behavior, aiming to improve quality of life and foster the much-needed bonds between people in our increasingly tech-driven world. This book is highly recommended for anyone feeling lonely in today's digital age.
August 18, 2024
I don't think there are any revelations in this book, its pretty common sense. It promises to help you walk through a social community worksheet for yourself, but pretend you getting married; and plan out whose getting invited, whose getting invited with a guest, whose in the wedding party, and who you would like there for breakfast the next day. There's your worksheet. She also didn't really give you much background on the studies she incessantly cites, but they are noted at the end. And she gives you lots of stories on her friends that just so happen to fit the point she is making.
But, its always a good exercise to take some time and review your friendships/community that keeps you going. It's an easy read and I am glad I took the time to read the book.
But, its always a good exercise to take some time and review your friendships/community that keeps you going. It's an easy read and I am glad I took the time to read the book.
August 19, 2024
Soo good! Food for thought really. I need to make more social connections and friends in order to make friendships and long lasting relationships that will enrich my life. Often times I feel insanely lonely but I realized I don’t put much effort in my social life so there’s really no one to blame but myself and my decisions.
This book offers insights on how to improve personal relationships. For example calling at least one person a day for an hour. Different people in fact in order to maintain that relationship.
I advise all to read so we can all build a community around us. And realize hey I’m not alone and I don’t have to do this all alone. I have people around who love and support me. You just have to show that you too love and support others.
This book offers insights on how to improve personal relationships. For example calling at least one person a day for an hour. Different people in fact in order to maintain that relationship.
I advise all to read so we can all build a community around us. And realize hey I’m not alone and I don’t have to do this all alone. I have people around who love and support me. You just have to show that you too love and support others.
November 13, 2024
Concentrated quality time - this is a phrase she used i think is very relevant to my life, i quite liked it
I love the 4 minute life story sharing - I've dine it before! It reaffirmed I'm doing good for myself socially.
I think book is a good introduction as to why social health matters, altho i still wasnt fully convinced it wasnt a branch off of mental health
I think there might be helpful steps for those struggling socially, especially with the help odentifyinf social styles and next steps
For me, it wasn't super groundgbreaking
However, her writing is great and her insights and examples on how people have connected, denmark teaching empathy, bcn coming up with an antio loneliness action plan -- so cool!!! These examples were probably my favorite part of the whole book
I love the 4 minute life story sharing - I've dine it before! It reaffirmed I'm doing good for myself socially.
I think book is a good introduction as to why social health matters, altho i still wasnt fully convinced it wasnt a branch off of mental health
I think there might be helpful steps for those struggling socially, especially with the help odentifyinf social styles and next steps
For me, it wasn't super groundgbreaking
However, her writing is great and her insights and examples on how people have connected, denmark teaching empathy, bcn coming up with an antio loneliness action plan -- so cool!!! These examples were probably my favorite part of the whole book
February 19, 2025
Maybe 4.5 stars? I enjoyed this and thought it made some great points about social health being a third pillar in our lives alongside physical and mental health. I also found it to be a good balance between info from scientific studies and discussing real experiences from people.
My only complaints are about my experience with the audiobook:
1. The narrator is Cindy Kay, who is great, but I'm used to hearing her read The Singing Hills Cycle novellas, and I had to keep reminding myself that this book had nothing to do with folklore or a talking bird...
2. I had some trouble following when it talked about exercises in the the book, and I think I might have gotten more out of it if I'd read a physical copy.
My only complaints are about my experience with the audiobook:
1. The narrator is Cindy Kay, who is great, but I'm used to hearing her read The Singing Hills Cycle novellas, and I had to keep reminding myself that this book had nothing to do with folklore or a talking bird...
2. I had some trouble following when it talked about exercises in the the book, and I think I might have gotten more out of it if I'd read a physical copy.
July 19, 2024
“Human connection is so important, so influential for our overall health and longevity, that it deserves to rise from the shadows and stand tall in the spotlight. It should be a protagonist, not a supporting character, on the stage of health.�
I would definitely recommend this book! I am not someone who has a background in science but I found that the author does a phenomenal job of referencing studies but also explaining her ideas in a way that makes sense to readers regardless of background!
I consider myself to be pretty introverted, and so for me I really found the advice on stretching my social horizons and meeting new people to be helpful for sure!
I would definitely recommend this book! I am not someone who has a background in science but I found that the author does a phenomenal job of referencing studies but also explaining her ideas in a way that makes sense to readers regardless of background!
I consider myself to be pretty introverted, and so for me I really found the advice on stretching my social horizons and meeting new people to be helpful for sure!
August 17, 2024
Turns out, I'm not just an introvert, but more specifically, I'm a firefly. As with all books like this, a well written article will give you a good understanding of the concepts (there was recently one in the New York Times), but the book is good if you like to read about the details in more depth, as I do.
This book describes the concept of social health, as it relates to our overall physical health, and gives lots of examples of how to improve your own social health. Main takeaway: Having close relationships is as important as things like exercising and not smoking when it comes to maintaining your physical health, not just your mental health, as you age.
This book describes the concept of social health, as it relates to our overall physical health, and gives lots of examples of how to improve your own social health. Main takeaway: Having close relationships is as important as things like exercising and not smoking when it comes to maintaining your physical health, not just your mental health, as you age.
September 7, 2024
Social well being sounds like a good notion, and the author has nice stories in the first half, but then she slides down to associations, and further down to meta-analyses, i.e, arithmetic reduction of systematic reviews, but never is there a randomized trials or anything. It still sounded reasonable. But then she jumps into health and business attempts to improve social well being, and she extrapolates into dreamland. So it’s a beginning. And something I will strive to improve. Incalled a friend, while driving to the gym, and it was good. I hope some of what she espouses may turn out to be correct.
December 22, 2024
The book is very readable and offers a combination of strategies for evaluating personal social health as well as community strategies for dealing with social health problems. Killam definitely demonstrates the importance of social health as a pillar of our overall health. She demonstrated the importance of the different styles and approaches to social health as well. However, the book was also repetitive at times and the multiple case studies didn't always introduce new information. There is important information here and I gained some important perspective, but it felt like it could have a more focused audience in order to more effectively communicate her point.
February 3, 2025
I like the message and the analogy of the pillars in which physical and mental health also need to have a pillar for social health. And Killam defines what she means by social health though the rest of the book felt repetitive or at least items that I've heard before and pay attention to in my own life. It's possible I've read enough in this field that it is redundant, not as a reflection of the book quality, but of the content it's delivering.
Either way, it's a good reminder about being healthy and happy includes a component of social health from significant other to friendship, volunteering, and community.
Either way, it's a good reminder about being healthy and happy includes a component of social health from significant other to friendship, volunteering, and community.
March 22, 2025
As a person that has spent years reading and researching physical and mental health, this book was a real eye opener. I always felt like I wasn’t physically active enough or that I needed to do therapy or mediation or breath work to fix my mental health issues. This book seems like the missing piece I have been looking for to make myself happier. That piece being social connection. I have heard before that the quality of the relationships in your life is the biggest determinant of happiness & longevity and this book does a great job of going into the science behind it and explaining exactly how to improve this aspect of your wellbeing.
September 3, 2024
Thought provoking.
I really take for granted my community- I live rurally so I ALWAYS run into people I casually know. But it made me really consider how fortunate and abnormal that is.
I was shocked at the statistics surrounding health outcomes (namely COVID’s) effects on communities that had higher social health.
I was encouraged to continue to have more people in our home and to be confident in our weirdness in that way� my home isn’t perfect or really decorated but it’s peaceful and welcoming- so be more intentional.
I really take for granted my community- I live rurally so I ALWAYS run into people I casually know. But it made me really consider how fortunate and abnormal that is.
I was shocked at the statistics surrounding health outcomes (namely COVID’s) effects on communities that had higher social health.
I was encouraged to continue to have more people in our home and to be confident in our weirdness in that way� my home isn’t perfect or really decorated but it’s peaceful and welcoming- so be more intentional.
November 18, 2024
An outstanding overview of a subject that's been dear to my heart for decades. Meticulously researched (the citations are as good as those in any academic or scholarly work I've ever read), yet written in comfortably plain English. Killam bolsters every point with references, but also includes passages describing her interviews and her own relevant experiences.
Recommended without reservation for anyone interested in the topic generally and/or in evaluating (and, if warranted, improving) their social health.
Recommended without reservation for anyone interested in the topic generally and/or in evaluating (and, if warranted, improving) their social health.
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