How important is a social life?

Introvert or extrovert, we've all been told about the importance of social connection to our health. Isolation can have knock-on effects for your brain health – and the health of the rest of your body. Norman and Tegan unpack how many friends the average person "needs" and what happens when you're alone but not lonely. References: Social ties and health: the benefits of social integration Social isolation: a predictor of mortality comparable to traditional clinical risk factors The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness Friendships, Subjective Age, and Life Satisfaction of Women in Midlife The American Friendship Project: A report on the status and health of friendship in America Social connection linked to improved health and reduced risk of early death – World Health Organization Differential Social Cognitive Performance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Introvert vs Social Anxiety: How to tell the difference  If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Is retirement bad for you? Chronotypes: early birds vs night owls Should you aim for an alkaline lifestyle?