{"id":4374,"date":"2023-07-15T14:19:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-15T14:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fchealth.org\/?p=4374"},"modified":"2024-10-23T14:13:20","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T14:13:20","slug":"health-third-spaces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fchealth.org\/health-third-spaces\/","title":{"rendered":"HEALTH & THIRD SPACES"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Health & Third Spaces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As pervasive feelings of loneliness and isolation persist for millions of Americans in today\u2019s post-pandemic landscape,  the need for belonging \u2014 particularly outside of one\u2019s home and workplace\u2014 has reached an all-time high. Perhaps now more than ever, communities across the country are relying upon third places \u2014 defined as physical spaces designed for gathering, connecting, and sharing resources \u2014 to promote social interaction and build community trust, which supports health and well-being for all.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The social support garnered in third places has been shown to protect health and well-being across one\u2019s lifetime. Still, it takes a wide range of third places to cultivate healthy conditions within communities. From libraries and laundromats to barbershops and bars, \u201cthird places have long been an important part of American culture, and their role continues to evolve.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently prescribed an antidote to our nation\u2019s newest public health crisis, an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, is no coincidence: \u201cThere is a medicine hiding in plain sight: social connection.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KEY CHALLENGES<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Decline of Third Places<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Where we choose to live impacts our access to key factors of health including third places which are on the decline across the country, especially in rural communities, as the landscape of Main Street America continues to change. Research shows that \u201cliving in neighborhoods with limited access to resources is associated with poorer physical and mental health\u201d which means that, in addition to losing access to dedicated spaces to socialize, connect, play, and care for one another, residents of these \u2018deserts\u2019 remain at increased risk of poor overall health and wellbeing. The decline of brick-and-mortar third places, coupled with the increase of online communities that continue to grow at an alarming rate, pose devastating public health consequences for communities in the very near future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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WHAT WORKS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Decades of research has shown that third places, that are neither work nor home, play a key role in contributing to a healthy and flourishing society. Third places have been shown to play vital and life-saving roles in our communities, especially among marginalized and vulnerable populations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Use<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

When temperatures plummet and winter storms knock out power, third places like community centers and high school gymnasiums become the first line of defense in providing shelter and warmth for those in need. Collaboration between private and public  third places, like local restaurants and\/or food purveyors providing meals for distribution at emergency warming locations, can serve to generate social surplus \u2014 an urban planning term for \u201ccollective feelings of civic pride, acceptance of diversity, trust, civility, and overall sense of togetherness within a locale through sustained use and connection among residents.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everyday Use<\/em><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

In their day-to-day lives, healthy communities depend upon regular and continued interaction among those with shared interests \u2014 despite myriad underlying differences \u2014 whether that be a love of coffee, exercising, or art. Third places such as cafes, fitness centers and art galleries (just to name a few) have been shown to serve as prime venues for the types of interactions that create meaningful connections among individuals from all walks of life. And, while social connection is understood to be a primary benefit to individual health, research points to it improving the resilience of our communities \u2014 resulting in a win-win for all.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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