(Open to HKU members only)

Loneliness has emerged as a significant public health concern, with evidence linking it to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, depression, cognitive decline, and premature mortality. Research suggests that lacking social connection can be as detrimental to health as other leading risk factors, underscoring the urgent need for intervention. Despite its well-documented influence on health, social connection remains underrecognized and under-addressed within clinical practice.

This talk will highlight the critical role of healthcare providers in educating, assessing, and responding to the social needs of their patients. Practical strategies for fostering social connection, incorporating social prescribing, and integrating social support into clinical care by leveraging multidisciplinary collaboration will be highlighted. By recognizing and addressing loneliness as a medical concern, healthcare professionals can play a pivotal role in enhancing patient well-being and promoting long-term health outcomes.

Speaker:
Julianne Holt-Lunstad is a professor of psychology and neuroscience, and director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University. She is also the founding scientific chair and board member for the U.S. Foundation for Social Connection and the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection.

A globally recognized expert on social connection and health, Dr. Holt-Lunstad’s research has been pivotal in identifying social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for early mortality. As the lead scientific editor for a US Surgeon General’s Advisory and National Strategy, and an advisor to the World Health Organization, she works towards translating evidence into practice and policy. She serves as a scientific advisor and consults for organizations across sectors. She has provided expert testimony in a US Congressional Hearing, served on multiple National Academy of Sciences consensus committees, the UK Cross-departmental Loneliness Team, and a subject matter expert for the Gravity Project, EUJRC, UN, OECD, and CDC. She has garnered numerous professional accolades, and actively contributes to communicating the science to raise awareness including a TEDx talk. She is regularly highlighted in major media outlets such as the New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, BBC, Scientific American, and many more.

Co-organisers:
Department of Emergency Medicine, HKUMED
Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, HKU

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