Many may not realise that social health is just as important as physical and mental health. This is because holistic health is not merely defined as the absence of disease or infirmity. Instead, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), health encompasses physical, mental and social well-being.
If physical health refers to the body and mental health to the mind, then social health concerns the quality of human relationships. According to WHO, “social health refers to the adequate quantity and quality of relationships in a particular context to meet an individual’s need for meaningful human connection.”
Health in the Light of Faith
In Islam, health is not viewed as an isolated physical condition but as a holistic balance that encompasses the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual dimensions of life. Such a concept can be observed in various Qur’anic verses or hadiths that emphasise balance in life, self-care, cleanliness, interpersonal relationships and spiritual well-being.
For example, verse 168 of Surah al-Baqarah, Allah SWT says, “O humanity! Eat from what is lawful and good on the earth and do not follow Satan’s footsteps…,” while Surah al-Hujurat (49:13) emphasises that humankind was created into nations and tribes so that they may know one another. Similarly, Surah al-Ma’idah (5:2) encourages cooperation with one another in goodness and righteousness, and not to cooperate in sin and transgression. These verses illustrate, amongst others, the wider and holistic definition of health through moderate conduct with ourselves, others and The Creator.
Why Relationships Matter for Health
Social connection and meaningful relationships provide individuals with a sense of belonging and emotional security. Quality relationships help reduce stress, loneliness and isolation which are the factors known to trigger chronic inflammation and accelerate biological ageing.
People who remain socially active tend to lead healthier lives where they exercise more, eat better and take greater responsibility for their own health—unlike those who live sedentary lives. By self-portraying as significant to others, especially towards family members may also motivate them to take better care of themselves.
A longitudinal study by Friedman et al. (2024) found that individuals with positive relationships experience lower mortality rates compared to those with weaker social ties. In simple terms, those who are socially connected tend to live longer, healthier lives.
For older adults, social connection is not just about companionship. It preserves dignity, self-worth and a sense of identity. It reminds them that they are still valued contributors to society, not merely recipients of care.
The Impact of Social Disconnection
Conversely, social disconnection often leads to long-term isolation and loneliness. The WHO (2025) reported that one in six people worldwide experienced loneliness between 2014 and 2023, and one in four older adults experience social isolation. Social disconnection also increases the risk of mortality where loneliness is estimated to have contributed to 871,000 deaths each year between 2014 and 2019.
A study by Puyané et al. (2025) on the effects of loneliness in ageing populations found that loneliness is associated with health issues such as depression, anxiety and reduced self-esteem. For older adults, these effects are particularly pronounced due to life changes such as retirement, declining health or the loss of loved ones.
Faith, Connection and Well-Being
Recent studies have begun to explore how religious and faith-based support contribute to overall social and physical well-being. Research by Ong et al. (2025) on the concept of Cumulative Social Advantage (CSA) for example, lines four dimensions that constitute social advantage namely: (1) religious and faith-based support; (2) parent–child relationship quality; (3) community engagement; and, (4) extended emotional support. The findings suggest that CSA lowers systemic inflammation and slows down epigenetic ageing.
This reinforces the notion that faith and spirituality are not merely moral or cultural practices rather as vital sources of emotional nourishment that sustain both the body and soul. For Muslims, submitting to and trusting Allah SWT as The Only Creator and The Highest Power brings calm, hope and balance which complete the definition of holistic health and well-being. Whereas neglecting social health renders the incomplete concept of holistic health, even if a person appears physically fit.
Building a Socially Connected Society
Policies and programmes addressing older adults must evolve beyond economic and medical assistance. Social health should be accorded equal importance to physical and mental health. This can be achieved by strengthening community-based care systems and encouraging private sector and volunteer participation.
In line with the national principle of “Belief in God,” Malaysia’s social policies should also integrate the role of religion within its ageing-in-place strategies, reflecting research that demonstrates the positive influence of religious practice on health outcomes.
Ultimately, social connection begins at home. Parents must nurture their children the importance of building and maintaining healthy social relationships especially within family members; cultivating empathy for others; and, participating in community volunteerism, rather than focusing solely on material success. In doing so, we ensure that our society not only lives longer, but lives meaningfully.
