2023 Issue 3 | GearedUp
56
Loneliness Epidemic Solution : Planet Fitness
Did you know that loneliness has been named an epidemic by the U . S . surgeon general ? The lack of social connection can create a risk for anyone ’ s physical and mental health , which can ultimately affect their resilience and longevity . Why ? According to U . S . Surgeon General Dr . Vivek Murthy ’ s May 2023 report , “ Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation ,” the lack of social connection can cause a 29 % increased risk of heart disease and 32 % increased risk of stroke . Additionally , lack of social connection may increase susceptibility to diseases , viruses and respiratory illness plus induce anxiety , depression and dementia . Loneliness affects our physical as well as our mental health and well-being .
Social isolation and loneliness are similar but different . Social isolation is “ external ” and is recognized as having few social relationships , social roles , group memberships and infrequent social interaction . Loneliness , on the other hand , is “ internal ” and based on perceived isolation or unmet needs between an individual ’ s preferred experiences versus their actual experiences .
Loneliness can affect all people , all ages , all socio-economic status , all faiths and all stages of life . In other words , loneliness is judgement-free .
Millennials and younger have expressed their feelings of loneliness . Thirty percent of millennials say they have no best friend ; 27 % of millennials say they have no close friends and 22 % say they have no friends . Three in 10 millennials say they always or often feel lonely .
As we have discussed in previous articles , the two most important components for sound mental well-being are connectivity and coping skills . Our post-pandemic world of less face-to-face interactions via Zoom meetings , less days required to show up for work in a live office , increased online shopping , online faith-based services , online education , social media and so much more are all dependent on technology as a tool to connect . Technology that displaces in-person engagement , monopolizes our attention , reduces the quality of our interactions and even diminishes our self-esteem can cause more harm than good and can lead to greater loneliness , fear of missing out ( FOMO ), conflict and reduced social connection .
While technology is a blessing , providing the ability to
by Lynne Brick , BSN , MA and C . Victor Brick , MEd
communicate with other people via our devices , to collect information , to analyze data , to provide incredible experiences for our team and our members , etc ., it does not provide the equivalent substitute for live human connection and interaction . Human interaction releases a natural “ feel good ” hormonal response of dopamine , endorphins and serotonin , which help to support our mental well-being .
With all this information , how can we at Planet Fitness ® help to be the solution to the loneliness epidemic ?
• Focus on face-to-face connections with our staff and our members . Hellos and goodbyes , a genuine smile , eye contact and the sound of someone ’ s name will go a long way to connect with the people who matter most in that moment .
• Presence . The greatest gift you can give to another person is to be present . In other words , turn face-to-face , engage in conversation without distractions and ask powerful questions that pull information to encourage deeper conversation . At Ohana Growth Partners , we use the acronym L . I . S . T . E . N .:
• Look interested / get interested .
• Involve yourself by responding .
• Stay on target .
• Test your understanding .
• Evaluate the message .
• Neutralize your feelings .
• The 10:5 rule . Whenever a member or staff comes within 10 feet , we should smile and make eye contact . Whenever a member or staff comes within 5 feet , we should greet them with a friendly hello , and if appropriate , engage in conversation . Coach your team members to follow this rule outside the club , too .
• Connect members to staff .
• Encourage your MSRs to lead a hybrid tour / orientation