We need one another.
We need one another.
And not just because the new National Endowment for the Arts research on Arts Engagement reflecting on Spring/Summer 2024 arts activities deems social connectivity as critical to our health - and achievable through arts engagement. But because so much of our world these days centers on consumerism and comparisons; things that plague our mental health, bog down our senses of self, and encourage isolation.
I can’t accomplish any of my individual goals without you; without us, striving together to create the meaningful change our community needs. Our community.
The Surgeon General’s advisory from 2023 illustrates the importance of individuals feeling connected to their communities, not just for ourselves and our mental health, but for the economy. Loneliness has resulted in stress-related absenteeism that costs employers an estimated $154 billion annually and an excess in Medicare spending of $6.7 billion due to increased hospital and nursing facility spending amongst older adults.
This kind of economic impact is no doubt due to the negative impacts of the pandemic, which expedited a trend that was already sufficiently declining; national trends for social connection have been decreasing steadily since 2003. In 2020, however, they fell off a cliff. Household and family social engagement has seen the least amount of decline at just 5 hours per month. On the other hand, social engagement with friends saw a decrease of 20 hours per month.
For a sector that depends on social connection, this data is devastating.
And yet, the NEA research reveals a potential solution. The study reveals that adults who attended one or more performances and/or art exhibits in the last month were, “more likely than others to say they rarely experience loneliness.” It continues to illustrate how these adults were also more likely to report “always or usually receiving needing support,” as well as more likely to meet with friends and family once or twice a week.
It feels bananas to need data to point to something so simple; when we gather together, we feel better. When we feel better, we accomplish great things together. When we accomplish great things together, we want to do it again.
Now, while I so appreciate you taking the time to read this from me, I encourage you to read these two reports from the Surgeon General and the National Endowment for the Arts. I then encourage you to work within your communities to support and feel supported. <3
NEA Research - https://lnkd.in/g5qNNb_2
Surgeon General's Advisory - https://lnkd.in/g2Xfusv4
