Although social isolation and loneliness have affected our population for years, the pandemic caused by the transmission of COVID-19 served as a catalyst, affecting a greater number of people. According to scientific studies, it is known that both social isolation and loneliness can affect our physical health; therefore, it is important to learn to cope with them.
There are different strategies for this, such as socializing, having frequent contact with family members and friends, exercising, and joining groups and workshops. However, it is worth noting that having a pet can also aid in coping with isolation and loneliness.
As we have explained, isolation refers to when a person physically withdraws themselves and avoids contact with other people who are close to them or with their community. Whereas loneliness is the feeling of a lack of connection, be it because the person lives alone, or it can occur even when living with others.
According to the data presented by Dr. Annette De Paz Ortiz, at the event Sábado Perruno held by Triple-S in October 2022, anthrozoology —which studies the bond between humans and pets— has shown that these relationships have psychological, biological, and social effects. According to details shared at the conference, the American Veterinary Medical Association catalogs our relationships with pets as dynamic and mutually beneficial. Dr. De Paz identified some important aspects: social, psychological, work-related, and in terms of public health.
Without a doubt, a pet represents companionship for a human being and is therefore likely to stimulate physical activity, as well as offer a sense of belonging and protection. The social aspect is emphasized when a pet owner takes their pet out for a walk. This contributes to the practice of cardiovascular exercise, facilitates social interactions, and breaks down socialization barriers between people. Dog parks are now popular in cities all around the world, such as in Spain. These parks are enclosed and fenced sand lots with benches for the owners. People take their dogs there to run, play, spend their energy, and interact with other animals. At the same time, pet owners experience human contact and interact with other people. They may even develop interpersonal relationships since the people visiting these parks are usually residents of the same areas in which they are located.
These social aspects are closely linked to psychological aspects as well. Therefore, they can also be of benefit in this regard. At the top of her list, Dr. De Paz states that there is a “sense of purpose” as the individual will need to be responsible for another living being who depends on them for their overall well-being and survival. In addition, pets —just like human beings— have the need to follow a routine. Therefore, the pet owner will have to establish a routine and follow it so that their pet can fulfill its basic needs. Interestingly, Dr. De Paz’s talk also mentioned mindfulness as a tool that can be of psychological benefit through raising a pet. Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of the present moment. Caring for a pet requires understanding and awareness of the here and now in order to do well. Successfully taking care of the pet, creates a sense of attachment to them, which leads to other feelings such as enjoyment, comfort, support, and empathy.
Some companies recognize the wellness benefits of raising pets and dedicating time to them, which has led them to become pet-friendly work environments. For this reason, in December 2021, Triple-S launched its initiative and became one of the first companies in Puerto Rico where employees can bring their dogs to the workplace during working hours. They were offered training as well as a registration process. Pet areas were also set up at Triple-S facilities.
Studies show that the practice of bringing your pet into the workplace leads to more efficient teamwork, as it increases the trust between coworkers, enhances creativity and critical thinking skills, and increases motivation.
It is important for organizations and companies to join forces to offer effective strategies and tools to overcome social isolation and loneliness. Triple-S and the Triple-S Foundation held the First Symposium on Social Isolation and Loneliness in March 2022, where they invited private entities and the Government to join this effort. Roberto García Rodríguez, Chief Executive Officer of Triple-S Management, said at the time that Triple-S hopes “that this first symposium will help raise awareness about the effect that social isolation and loneliness have on our society, so that the public sector, the third sector, our communities, and the private sector will join forces to mitigate this epidemic.” He added that social isolation has serious effects on our public health and, consequently, on the well-being and economy of the island. As a result of this initiative, which will continue its efforts in 2024, a broad, multi-sector approach is sought to educate about the risks, measure and study the situation, and take action to build meaningful social connections that counteract the harmful consequences of isolation and its effect on public health.
To learn more about social isolation and loneliness, you may visit our website management.grupotriples.com/socializaressaludable/en/
