Social connection for overall health

We live in an era characterized by increasing digitalization of work and services and by hyperconnectivity that shifts relationships and free time online. However, the most important connection remains the human one, preferably direct and in person, because healthy social interaction is a key determinant of our global health. Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti invests in social education throughout life: from childhood to the third and fourth age.

We Are Made for Relationships

Neuroscience shows that we are naturally “programmed” for interpersonal relationships. For example, the discovery of mirror neurons demonstrates that we are born to observe, understand, and share others’ emotions. Effective and positive social relationships trigger the release of wellness hormones, such as oxytocin and serotonin.

Relationships are the basis of collaboration and cooperation and also ensure the transmission of knowledge, traditions, affection, and gestures—a kind of cultural and family DNA—which lies at the heart of education, contributing to the growth of individuals and communities and to human evolution.

Quality relationships are a central source of our well-being, both objective and perceived. The WHO reminds us that sociality contributes to:

• protecting health throughout life
• reducing inflammation
• lowering the risk of serious illnesses
• promoting mental health
• preventing premature death
• strengthening social fabric
• making communities healthier, safer, and more prosperous

The Harvard Study of Adult Development

One of the longest-running and most important scientific studies in the field of sociality is the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which began in the late 1930s and continues to this day. The study monitored behaviors across different people and generations, finding that individuals with more satisfying social relationships tend to be not only happier but also live longer and enjoy better health, with a lower probability of developing heart, metabolic, or bone diseases.

Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, emphasizes the centrality of quality relationships and even marriage, calling it “the best predictor of a happy and healthy life,” in statements to the Harvard Gazette.

The Importance of Friendship

While a stable and fulfilling romantic relationship is important, Waldinger also highlights friendship networks, which are connected at the brain level to the reward system and dopaminergic circuits. Evolutionarily speaking, having friends helps survival.

A 2023 Greek study shows that friendship is protective for our well-being and mental health, helping counter anxiety and depression. Scientific research indicates that having a friend nearby allows us to perform complex cognitive tasks more easily and reduces blood pressure reactivity. Friendship is a true treasure for the brain, especially during development, as it supports brain maturation, facilitating connections between emotional areas and the prefrontal cortex.

The Power of a Hug

A hug from a loved one is a real boost for our global health. Hugging is a powerful form of communication that shares positive emotions like joy, gratitude, and serenity, strengthens social and emotional bonds, and benefits both mental and physical health.

Hugs lower blood pressure, increase oxytocin, and reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. A Carnegie Mellon University study of 404 people showed that hugs support the immune system and help protect against infections.

The power of hugging develops from our first breaths and is vital for newborn well-being. Research shows physical contact is essential for infants: it soothes crying, prevents hypothermia, regulates breathing and heart rate, and supports weight gain and growth.

Personalized Sociality: the Otroversi

Although the need for sociality is universal, it is not the same for everyone. Some do not feel compelled to merge their identity with the group or join clubs or associations. American psychiatrist Rami Kaminski calls them “otroversi”: neither introverted nor extroverted, independent, original, capable of thinking outside the box, critically minded, and adaptable to different environments.

Otroversi naturally cultivate authentic but selective relationships without heavy social masks, as self-esteem derives from inner consistency and fidelity to their true self, showing that healthy sociality is a tailored balance for different personalities.

All Connections Matter

For psychosocial well-being, all relationships matter, even small ones. Core relationships with family and friends are essential, but even weaker, daily connections, like those at work, are important.

In 1973, sociologist Mark Granovetter proposed the “strength of weak ties” theory, finding that seemingly minor or occasional relationships could be more relevant than strong ties, for example in job searching. These contextual ties, though less deep, remain effective social networks and bridges for the world and community.

Dangers of Social Isolation

While science demonstrates the benefits of full sociality, it also shows that social isolation threatens physical and mental health, and loneliness is perceived by the brain as real pain, similar to a physical stimulus. Its impact is comparable to other risk factors, like obesity, sedentariness, and tobacco use.

The American Psychological Association notes that loneliness and isolation:

• increase symptoms of depression and anxiety
• endanger executive functions
• accelerate cognitive decline
• worsen cardiovascular health
• affect the immune system
• impair sleep quality

An Epidemic of Loneliness

Despite our relational nature and growing online connections, loneliness is increasing. On June 30, 2025, the WHO Commission on Social Connection released From loneliness to social connection, highlighting a dangerous epidemic: 1 in 6 people worldwide suffers from loneliness, which is linked to about 100 deaths every hour, totaling over 871,000 deaths annually.

In a world with infinite ways to connect, more people are isolated and alone. Beyond the cost to individuals, families, and communities, if left unaddressed, loneliness and social isolation will continue to cost society billions in healthcare, education, and employment.

The WHO emphasizes that loneliness and social isolation affect especially youth, older adults, and people in low- or middle-income countries:

• 17–21% of young people aged 13–29 report feeling lonely, higher among adolescents.
• About 24% in low-income countries report loneliness, double that of high-income countries (~11%).
• Social isolation affects up to 1 in 4 adolescents and 1 in 3 older adults.

Even in a digitally connected world, many young people feel lonely. While technology reshapes our lives, it must strengthen, not weaken, human connection. Our report shows social connection must be integrated into policies across digital access, health, education, and employment.

Lack of good friendships and loneliness are also mapped in the report Social Connections and Loneliness in OECD Countries, showing 10% feel unsupported, 8% in 22 European OECD countries report no close friends, and 6% in 23 OECD countries felt lonely most of the time in the past four weeks. In-person interactions are declining: in 21 European OECD countries, daily face-to-face interactions with friends and family decreased steadily after 2006, while online contacts increased.

Causes of Loneliness

The WHO identifies multiple causes, including:

• health issues
• low income
• low education
• living alone
• inadequate community infrastructure and public policies
• digital technologies

The report notes that social deprivation often accompanies socioeconomic disadvantage, living alone, and older age, while sociality is protective, reducing predictable social and economic costs and promoting financial well-being.

Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti’s Commitment: Connecting and Growing Together

Together Beyond Isolation

Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti and NIVEA launched “Together Beyond Isolation – an integrated model for youth mental health”, aimed at preventing and combating social isolation among adolescents through a multidisciplinary approach combining neuroscience, psychology, pedagogy, and teaching.

The program includes targeted outreach in schools and communities, using innovative tools like the Spherical Model of Consciousness and Practice of Silence, designed by Patrizio Paoletti and internationally recognized.

Education at the Core

Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti promotes full and fulfilling relationality as part of global health, focusing primarily on education, which the WHO identifies as protective against loneliness.

Programs like Prefigurare il Futuro bring resources to Italian schools, targeting adolescents, educators, and parents, strengthening emotional and relational skills, with emphasis on resilience.

The foundation also invests in educational excellence at AIS Assisi International School, integrating Montessori Method and Third Millennium Pedagogy, offering enriched, neuroscience-informed teaching.

International projects ensure quality education for children and adolescents worldwide, such as initiatives in Kenya and Brazil, along with teacher training programs like Teachers Outreach.

Social Solidarity

The foundation promotes concrete opportunities for socially engaged activities, combining relational benefits with those of volunteering, which increases happiness, well-being, and longevity.

Recent activities include participation in the Gallicano Flower Festival and Run Rome The Marathon relay, and preparation of the Carovana del Cuore campaign across Italy.

Full Sociality Throughout Life

Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti spreads educational culture as a determinant of global health at all ages and invests in projects supporting elderly well-being and sociality, such as the AIDA project, integrating museum, digital, and creative innovation for Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

 

 

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