Laura Putnam | An epidemic of loneliness is shortening lives

Loneliness kills. Just like cigarettes. Social isolation is such a problem that it is shortening lives and US health officials have declared it to be an epidemic. Earlier this month, the US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy said: "It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. We're publishing this interview on Memorial Day in the US - a public holiday which for many people is a day of socialization, family gatherings and fun events away from work.  But what if you're alone today?  What are you thinking? Laura Putnam is the founder of Motion Infusion - a company with a mission to bring movement to the workplace.  She's also an advocate for measures to combat the loneliness and isolation that many people feel through a lack of social connections. In this interview we cover: What if you could ward off the killer diseases of old age by simply strengthening your social connectionsLaura delves into the vital importance of love and connection for happiness and longevity and shares her mission to leverage workplaces to promote better health and well-being.We reveal the surprising link between social isolation and life-threatening diseases.Why poor health and well-being are taking a toll on communities and populations and what can we do to change the situation? The moral case for workplace health improvementLaura debunks the myth of fear-based motivation, and discussed how to use everyday language to engage people and guide them towards making significant lifestyle changes. We bridge the gap between recognizing the value of health and actually taking action to ensure our well-being.The importance of community buildingHow to mitigate feelings of loneliness and isolation.How to discover the benefits of getting out into nature and connecting with people in our neighborhoods.The power of pet ownership, and the idea of creating communities around common interests. We also touch on the practice of positivity resonance,Fit, Healthy & Happy Podcast Welcome to the Fit, Healthy and Happy Podcast hosted by Josh and Kyle from Colossus...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyTime-line Mitopure (a highly pure form of Urolithin A) boosts the health of our mitochondria – the battery packs of our cells – and improves muscle strength. Time-line is offering LLAMA listeners a 10% discount on its range of products – Mitopure powders, softgels & skin creams.  Use the code LLAMA at checkout- FlexBeam red light therapyRecharge Health is offering LLAMA listeners a discount on the purchase of FlexBeam, the wearable red light therapy device which targets key parts of the body to improve sleep, treat injuries and sooth aches and pains associated with aging. Discounts vary - see details of the current offer hereSupport the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice. If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.