The power of shared meals for happiness and health

[WORLD] Sharing meals is a time-honored tradition practiced across the globe. According to the 2025 World Happiness Report, people in Senegal share 11.7 meals out of a typical 14 lunches and dinners each week. In comparison, Sweden sees 9.5 shared meals per week, the U.S. averages 7.9, and in Japan, the number drops to 3.7.

These differences are strongly influenced by cultural norms and work-life dynamics. In Senegal, where communal living and extended family networks are common, shared meals are a staple of everyday life. On the other hand, in more individualistic cultures like Japan, longer work hours and urban lifestyles often lead to solitary dining habits. These patterns reveal how societal values influence even the simplest daily routines.

Interestingly, the frequency of shared meals is linked to overall wellbeing. "There's an optimal level of social eating," says Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, editor of the World Happiness Report and director of the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford.

So, how many meals should we aim to share each week, and why does it matter so much?

Senegal leads the world in social eating, but the World Happiness Report reveals that no country achieves the ideal level of shared meals.

Recent research suggests that the benefits of communal dining go beyond emotional well-being and extend to physical health. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that individuals who frequently share meals tend to make healthier food choices and have lower obesity rates. This highlights that social meals are not only beneficial for mental health but also play a role in overall health.

De Neve explains that "the optimal number is 13 out of 14," stressing that social connections in our lives may be just as important—if not more important—than wealth and health in determining our well-being. According to the report, every additional shared meal is associated with a slight increase in life satisfaction.

However, the report also notes that after the 14th meal together, there is a small drop in well-being, suggesting that a bit of solitude is beneficial. Still, the takeaway is clear: humans are inherently social, and regular interactions are essential for a fulfilling life.

In the U.S., people share an average of 4.7 dinners and 3.2 lunches each week. This marks a "54% increase in dining alone over the past two decades," according to De Neve.

The rise of remote work and the convenience of food delivery services are likely factors contributing to this trend. With fewer people commuting to offices and more opting for quick, solo meals at home, opportunities for spontaneous shared meals have declined. Experts warn that this shift could have long-term consequences for workplace morale and mental health, especially for younger generations, who already report higher levels of loneliness.

De Neve suggests that lunchtime might be particularly affected by these changes, noting that "the workplace norm is increasingly shifting towards eating alone or bringing lunch to your desk while continuing to work."

Despite these challenges, taking time to connect with colleagues is critical. Beyond improving personal well-being, shared meals help foster "a culture of belonging and caring for each other" in the workplace, says De Neve.

So, when planning your workday, make sure to carve out time for those important social moments with coworkers—even if it's not during lunch. "Social interactions around coffee or tea" can also make a difference, De Neve adds.