Loneliness pervades American society, with social connections dwindling. When we think about social isolation, COVID-19 quarantine likely comes to mind immediately.
While exacerbated by the isolating effects of, pre-pandemic research revealed that approximately half of U.S. adults experienced measurable levels of loneliness. The U.S. Surgeon General’s report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” underscores the urgent need for connectivity.
Social isolation worsened during the pandemic, persisting into the post-COVID era, amplifying feelings of loneliness and detachment from loved ones.
Loneliness has devastating affects on our minds and bodies. Key statistics from the U.S. Surgeon General emphasize the danger of isolation:
- Loneliness and social isolation increase premature death risk by 26% and 29%, respectively.
- Lack of social connection can be as detrimental as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
- Poor social connection is associated with a 29% higher risk of heart disease and a 32% higher risk of stroke.
- Loneliness and isolation can contribute to lower academic achievement and diminished work performance, with stress-related absenteeism costing U.S. employers around $154 billion annually.
At Intangible Treasure, we firmly believe in the unifying power of stories and relationships.
While social media facilitates digital connections, they often lack the depth and richness of in-person relationships, as highlighted by the U.S. Surgeon General.
Meaningful social connections are fundamental for community well-being and resilience.
We are called to build a movement to mend the social fabric of our nation
-U.S. Surgeon General .1
Preserving our family history provides as a poignant antidote to strengthen connections and alleviate loneliness.
Our legacy products serve as conduits for multigenerational ties, elevating the value of ancestral wisdom and healing narratives.
These treasures not only pay homage to our loved ones and cherished memories but also nurture profound familial connections and safeguard our family legacy for future generations.
At Intangible Treasures, we specialize in fostering connections through the creation of exquisite legacy products such as children’s books or recipe books that narrate stories.
Each narrative holds a precious gift or treasure—a transformative moment that inspires growth and imparts invaluable life lessons.
We unearth the treasure in each customer’s unique story, weaving together threads of connection and legacy.
- U.S. Surgeon General’s report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” ;https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf ↩︎