How Creating Vibrant Communities Can Build Mental Health

If you look at any study on longevity, you'll see that one thing is key, community. Its presence can extend life, both the length and the quality of it, its absence can shorten it. 

Loneliness, in particular, is becoming a key factor in the world today, with the World Health Organization calling it a critical health issue, and the US Surgeon General equating it to smoking at least 15 cigarettes a day. 

So with that in mind, if we asked you, what are your keys of life, what would your answer be? 

Well, on Episode 58 of ‘the mentl space’ podcast, we sit down with a guest who has asked just that question, Group CEO of Orascom Development, Omar El Hamamsy, who has just completed a major study through their new initiative, Orascom Development Keys of Life, unveiling the nature of community, what that means to us and how important it is. 

The Orascom Development Keys of Life revealed that 82% of people agree that community is ‘purpose and a sense of belonging’. And that’s what Orascom Development offers. For over 35 years, Orascom Development has been a pioneer in creating destinations where people are inspired to live, work, and play with passion and purpose. They have a portfolio of 10 sustainable, fully integrated towns in seven countries across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, emphasizing the "software" of community beyond physical infrastructure, as well as 33 premium and luxury hotels. This developer focuses on creating diverse, integrated communities with common spaces, walkable areas, and cultural activities to foster human interaction and mental health.

Orascom Development Keys of Life recent global survey conducted by YouGov surveyed more than 3,600 people, revealed key insights: post-COVID, people seek nature-balanced communities with 87% finding having access to nearby beaches, lakes or other water elements improves their state of mind. They are becoming digital nomads (Preference for a nomadic lifestyle

is highest among youth age 18-24 at 78%). Loneliness remains a significant issue, especially among the young with more than 54% agreeing to feeling lonely in the areas in which they live and worry about being isolated. 

This was illustrated strongly by the "wave factor," or the frequency of waving at neighbours, is found to be inversely correlated with feelings of loneliness, indicating its importance in community building. 72% of people randomly waved or smiled at a neighbor in the past year, 51% at a stranger; of which, only 63% of youth age 18-24 did.

On the podcast we discuss:

• The importance of enriching local culture through music, art, cinema, and literature in their communities.
• The challenges of creating sustainable, soulful communities and the importance of giving them time to grow organically.
• Mental health, emphasizing the importance of family security and support.
• The importance of human interaction and common spaces in fostering a sense of community and well-being.

Listen now and discover how to nurture a thriving community and embrace a rich cultural life.