The future of social sustainability in healthcare
- Sylvia Leifheit
- Apr 5
- 8 min read
## Introduction
Social isolation kills.
According to recent studies, it increases the risk of mortality by up to 29% – comparable to smoking a whole pack of cigarettes every day!
Have you ever felt alone with your health?
Social sustainability in the health context is not an abstract idea, but vital to our well-being.
But how can we combine real community and better health in our digitalized world?
## The true face of social sustainability in healthcare
What does social sustainability really mean for your health? It's not just about fair working conditions or corporate ethics.
It means creating a system that empowers you to take control of your health and do it collaboratively.
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being” – not merely the absence of disease. This [holistic definition](https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/constitution) underscores the fact that long-term health requires more than medication and doctor visits. It requires:
- Vibrant communities that support us emotionally
- Democratic access to diverse healing knowledge
- The power of self-determination instead of dependence
These three elements change the way we think about health and form the basis of a new understanding.
## The old vs. the new understanding of health
Why do so many people feel powerless and isolated in the conventional health system?
| Conventional system 🤕 | Socially sustainable approach 💚 |
|--------------------------|------------------------------|
| Treatment of symptoms | Cure of causes |
| Isolation during illness | Healing community |
| Medication dependency | Knowledge-based self-determination |
| Passive patient role | Active health management |
| Standard treatments | Individual healing paths |
The old system sees you as an isolated “repair object”. The socially sustainable approach, on the other hand, recognizes that healing happens in community.
The [University of North Carolina](https://www.unc.edu/posts/2016/01/04/social-relationships-and-health/) has clearly shown that a lack of social connections increases the risk of heart disease by 29%.
At the same time, good relationships have been shown to strengthen your immune system. They act like a natural antibiotic for body and soul.
### Digital communities as catalysts for health change
How can we create deep healing connections in the digital age?
Modern platforms are now breaking down geographical and social barriers that have traditionally restricted access to healing knowledge.
The Spine App has broken new ground in this area as a [comprehensive search engine](https://www.spine.app/en) for alternative healing methods. It connects people with similar health interests and enables the free exchange of healing knowledge.
The exchange in such digital communities accelerates healing on several levels:
- Emotional support reduces stress hormones
- Shared knowledge opens up new treatment options
- The sense of belonging strengthens your mental resilience
### Step 1: From passive patient to active health creator
How do you take control of your health back?
At the center is self-determination – the ability to take responsibility for your own well-being instead of leaving it entirely to experts.
Collaborative knowledge sharing plays a key role here.
A collective body of knowledge is created in the community. It resembles a many-voiced choir, which often contains more wisdom than the solo of individual experts.
The [Harvard Medical School](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-power-of-social-connection-2018112115381) has shown that patients who are actively involved in their treatment decisions achieve significantly better results.
## The three pillars of social sustainability in the health context
### Pillar 1: Democratic access to healing knowledge creates equal opportunities
Is high-quality health knowledge easily accessible to you?
For many people, it remains hidden behind paywalls. Or it is hidden in incomprehensible technical language like a well-kept secret.
The Spine App breaks down this barrier. It provides a free platform for comprehensive health knowledge.
The [Global Wellness Institute](https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/industry-research/) confirms: The market for alternative healing methods is growing by 6.4% annually – twice as fast as conventional medicine!
Here's how you can democratize access to healing knowledge:
- Start a weekly learning circle for healing exchange
Use the Spine App for expert knowledge without financial hurdles
Share your own healing experiences with your community
### Pillar 2: Community building as the foundation of long-term health
Did you know that your social relationships have the greatest influence on your longevity?
The 80-year Harvard Study on Adult Development (https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life/) found something astounding:
“Good relationships keep us healthier and happier. Full stop. That's the simple truth.”
She identified social connections as the most important factor for a long, healthy life. More important than genetics, wealth or traditional health factors!
The Spine App creates a digital healing community. Here you can share your health journey and learn from others.
Dr. Emma Seppälä from the Center for Compassion Research (https://ccare.stanford.edu/) at Stanford University confirms: “Strong social connections have been shown to boost your immune system and extend your lifespan.”
Here's how you can use community for your health:
- Start a local health group with monthly meetings
- Join the Spine community and share your experiences
- Practice “healing circles” with trusted sharing of experiences
### Pillar 3: From patient dependency to health self-determination
Do you sometimes feel helplessly at the mercy of the healthcare system?
Social sustainability means giving you the tools to shape your own health.
A study in the Journal of Patient Experience (https://journals.sagepub.com/home/jpx) shows that actively involved patients not only achieve better results, but also feel happier and more effective.
The Spine app embodies this approach. It encourages you to do your own research and build your healing network – an important step away from passive patient status.
Here's how you can take control of your health:
- Keep a health diary to recognize your patterns
- Continue learning about alternative healing approaches
- Become a mentor for others on their health journey
## Sandra's story: From pain to self-healing
Sandra, 42, suffered from chronic back pain for ten years.
“I really tried everything,” she says, still feeling a sense of frustration. ”Painkillers, physiotherapy, even surgery. Each failed attempt only made me feel more hopeless.”
The turning point came unexpectedly. “One evening, I came across the Spine App and suddenly found hundreds of people with similar experiences,” beams Sandra. “It was like someone had flipped on the light after years of darkness!”
In the community, she learned about the connection between emotional stress and back pain. “No doctor had ever explained to me how my fears literally took hold of my back,“ she says, shaking her head.
Through regular sharing, mindfulness training and working with a holistic healer, Sandra was able to drastically reduce her pain.
“It wasn't a single method,” she emphasizes. “It was the community and the feeling of shaping my own healing path.”
Today, Sandra is a mentor in the community and shares her knowledge via the Spine App. “Healing is passed on like a precious gift. That's what I call true social sustainability.”
## How healthy is your approach to health? Take a self-test
Take a moment for a little journey of discovery. Rate the following statements honestly from 1 (not at all true) to 5 (completely true):
1. Community: I have people with whom I can talk openly about my health challenges.
5 points means: You have a reliable circle that supports you in health matters.
2. Diversity of knowledge: I am familiar with different approaches to healing beyond conventional medicine.
5 points means: You know several alternatives for your health issues.
3. Self-determination: I actively shape my health instead of passively receiving treatment.
5 points mean: You independently explore causes and try different approaches.
4. Sharing knowledge: I share my health experiences with others.
5 points mean: You regularly support others with your knowledge and experience.
5. Holistic view: I see symptoms as indications of deeper imbalances.
5 points mean: You recognize the connection between emotions and physical symptoms.
Your result:
- 20-25 points: Your approach to health is very balanced. You are already a role model!
- 15-19 points: You are on the right track to more self-determination.
10-14 points: There is still room for improvement in your approach to health.
Under 10 points: Time for a change! Explore the principles of social sustainability.
No matter where you are, every step towards collaborative, self-determined health counts. [Research shows](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4318349/) that even small changes can have a big impact.
## The future of social sustainability in healthcare
In the next few years, we will see a shift in the understanding of health. The combination of social sustainability and technology will drive these developments:
1. Community-centered health platforms like the Spine App will set new standards and overcome traditional boundaries.
2. AI-supported personal health journeys complement human communities. A [McKinsey study](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare/our-insights/transforming-healthcare-with-ai) predicts that AI applications in healthcare will create an economic value of $100 billion by 2030. Not by replacing human connections, but by strengthening them.
3. Hybrid healing models connect virtual and local communities and overcome isolation in the face of health challenges.
4. Networked knowledge platforms democratize access to healing knowledge and ensure its quality.
5. Community-based prevention programs initiate a shift from treating illness to actively promoting health.
The Spine App is already shaping the healthcare landscape of tomorrow.
##Conclusion: Your path to health self-determination
Social sustainability in healthcare is a call to rethink.
You can become part of this movement now.
Reflect on your own approach to health: Are you a passive patient or an active creator?
Connect with like-minded people – online or offline.
Share your knowledge and experiences generously with others.
The vision of a socially sustainable health future is created by people like you who break new ground.
Discover the [Spine App](https://www.spine.app/en) and become part of a community that is rethinking health.
## Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
### What exactly does social sustainability mean in the context of health?
Social sustainability in health regards health as a communal good. It is based on three pillars: free access to healing knowledge, supportive communities, and self-determination. Unlike siloed medical approaches, it recognizes the central importance of human connection for long-term health, as [numerous studies prove](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/relationships-boost-survival/).
### How is the Spine app different from traditional health apps?
The Spine app goes beyond traditional health apps. Instead of just tracking symptoms or providing isolated health tips, it creates a [platform for healing](https://www.spine.app/en) that combines community building, knowledge sharing, and self-determination. While other apps often maintain an expert-user model, Spine promotes peer-to-peer exchange and collaborative learning.
### Can social sustainability also help with serious illnesses?
Yes, social sustainability can also provide support for those with serious illnesses. Studies show that patients with strong social ties have [better survival rates for cancer](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/adjusting-to-cancer/social-support-pdq) and recover more quickly from heart attacks. The collaborative approach does not replace the necessary medical treatment, but complements it with emotional support and practical experience.
### What scientific evidence is there for the effectiveness of communal healing?
The scientific evidence is convincing. The famous [Roseto study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1695733/) showed as early as the 1960s that a close-knit community can significantly reduce the rate of heart attacks. The connection between the psyche and the immune system is well researched today: social support reduces inflammatory processes and accelerates healing.
### How does the community approach complement conventional medicine?
The community approach and conventional medicine complement each other like two hands working together. Conventional medicine excels in acute care and specific treatments. The community approach offers emotional support, everyday knowledge and long-term support. The [Institute for Integrative Health](https://tiih.org/what-we-do/thought-leadership/health-and-community/) emphasizes that combining both approaches brings the best results.
### How can I share my own healing knowledge in the community?
There are many ways to share your healing knowledge:
- Share your experiences via posts, dailies or voice memos in the app.
- Offer small events as a get-together for like-minded people
Make sure to share your knowledge as a personal experience – not as a universal truth. Personal stories touch people more deeply than theoretical treatises.
