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Recent work by Harvard Professor D. Putnam was featured in the
current Sierra Health Foundation newsletter. Professor Putnam defines
social capital as the connections between people that enhance
community life that involves trustworthiness and reciprocity of actions
and commitment between people.
As we enter the 21st century there is strong evidence of the loss of
social capital. Over the last 50 years the number of social events has
been in decline. The numbers of people attending church, the number of
people we invite to our homes, the number of group games that are played,
are all decreasing. Family relationships are also in decline with the
number of families eating together decreased by 40%. As Professor
Putnam puts it, “Most people watch friends rather than have friends.”
The reason this is important to our health is that there is a direct
correlation between good health and social connectedness. This is due
in part to social support but also has to do with the psychological
benefits derived. Put in another way it is, know that isolation is very
bad for people resulting in spiritual emptiness.
As we enter the 21st century we must look for new ways to increase our
personal social capital. With the time spent alone watching TV or on
the computer we need to commit more time to our communities and to each
other. Through social connections, caring engagements and supportive
networks we can help protect our colleagues from illness and promote a
sense of well-being. Let’s all look for ways to become involved.
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