Across the health care community, loneliness has become a concern we can’t ignore. And the U.S. Surgeon General agrees. His recent advisory on loneliness breaks down the nature of and widespread reach of the condition, pinpointing Six Pillars to Advance Social Connection:
- Pillar 1: Strengthen Social Infrastructure in Local Communities
- Pillar 2: Enact Pro-Connection Public Policies
- Pillar 3: Mobilize the Health Sector
- Pillar 4: Reform Digital Environments
- Pillar 5: Deepen Our Knowledge
- Pillar 6: Cultivate a Culture of Connection
This call to action represents a monumental shift to give loneliness the attention it deserves in public policy, and we applaud the Surgeon General’s efforts. In particular, pillars 3 and 4 demonstrate that we must do real work to solve loneliness, requiring more than addressing social limitations. Let’s explore what these two elements mean and how health care can take action.
Pillar 3: Mobilize the health sector for loneliness.
We know loneliness is a risk factor for many health conditions, from heart disease to dementia to premature death. That's why the health sector is already positioned to provide support.
Pillar 3 of the Surgeon General’s advisory is a major step forward because mobilizing health resources signals movement toward recognizing loneliness as a chronic condition, not just a physical barrier or temporary feeling. With this shift, we can start to predict and address loneliness, working to create equitable access along the way.
Addressing health disparities
“Equitable” is a key word because obtaining the right care is a struggle for many groups, including youth, the elderly and LGBTQ+ individuals. But with the call to mobilize the health sector, we can remove barriers to care and increase accessibility to loneliness resources for marginalized populations.
Community plays a large role in closing these gaps. Marginalized groups are often ill-equipped to obtain adequate health care, but health providers can collaborate with community-based organizations and link individuals to community support and resources. And through partnership, both sides can work to advance community solutions.
Providing comprehensive support
But what about inside the health care system? The key to effectively addressing loneliness is integrating targeted, evidence-based interventions. Pillar 3 highlights the need to educate providers on the risks of loneliness and the physical and mental health benefits of treating it. Doing so will empower us to provide support to mitigate loneliness before it becomes severe and leads to compounded health problems.
Pillar 4: Reform digital environments for loneliness.
Reforming digital environments is crucial. By taking a fresh look at technology, we can address loneliness as a chronic condition and create equal opportunities to access supportive digital spaces.
Promoting digital literacy
If you don’t understand digital technology or use it correctly, it can actually worsen social disconnection. But promoting responsible technology — such as technology designed for healthy social connection — can maximize the impact on reducing loneliness.
Enhancing digital equity
Think about how toxic social media can be, increasing feelings of inadequacy, FOMO and more. It’s enough to quash anyone’s sense of self-esteem and worth.
Developing inclusive digital environments has the potential to do the opposite and help solve loneliness. Using apps, we can minimize barriers and provide equal access to resources, support and healthy social connections for individuals experiencing loneliness, creating safe environments.
Pyx Health's Impact: Bridge the gap between policy and action.
How do you bring it all together to address loneliness as a multifaceted condition in health care? By incorporating evidence-based interventions, tailored support and community engagement. Pyx Health is leading the way with a holistic approach.
Implementing comprehensive strategies for loneliness
Pyx Health combines a one-two punch of science-backed technology and human compassion. It begins with the Pyx Health app, which provides evidence-based screenings and stimulating activities for users. But the complete experience comes from access to trained ANDYs (short for Authentic, Nurturing, Dependable, Your Friend). ANDYs break down barriers to care, providing empathetic companionship and connections to community and health plan resources.
Supporting the Surgeon General's recommendations on loneliness
Pyx Health has been actively executing pillars 3 and 4 of the Surgeon General’s advisory on addressing loneliness for many years. Our solutions are founded on a dedication to mobilize the health sector to solve loneliness, addressing SDOH and supporting equitable access to resources along the way. In tandem with this, Pyx Health reforms digital environments with an app product and support services that are readability, accessibility and data friendly.
Prioritize solving loneliness.
Loneliness is a condition that deserves the same health sector support as major conditions such as cancer or Alzheimer's disease. The Surgeon General’s advisory shines a bright light on this issue, recognizing the epidemic nature of loneliness to provide a way forward.
As an organization devoted to tackling loneliness where it matters most, we support both the recent guidance and efforts to address loneliness in public policy. Pyx Health was founded to improve loneliness at scale with a unique combination of human-led compassion and technology, connecting people and health care in new ways. The Surgeon General’s guidance rings true in what we do every day: mobilize the health sector and reform the digital space. Our evidence-based solutions — from app technology to human support — bridge the gap between policy and action.
Want to learn more about the impact of loneliness on society? Download our e-book, The truth about loneliness: What the data on loneliness suggests.
