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What is Social Connection?

Social connection is an umbrella term that describes how we connect to other people. Social connection includes several distinct but related concepts. Some of these concepts are readily observed or measured, like the number of people in a person’s social network or social isolation, an objective lack of social contact. Whereas other aspects of social connection are subjective, like loneliness which describes how someone feels about the quality and quantity of their relationships.

Liougas MP, Sommerlad A, O'Rourke HM, Chapman H, Dewan N, McGilton KS, Bethell J. Assessing social connection for long-term care home residents: A scoping review of measure content. Alzheimers Dement (N Y). 2024 Sep 23;10(3):e12488. doi: 10.1002/trc2.12488. PMID: 39315314; PMCID: PMC11418406.