explaintion of a sentence

[Aghmore]

Would someone please explain this quotation to me:

“To the extent that the lack of social relationships has this effect,” he says, “to shore that up would likely be helpful. Living in a supportive environment is likely better for you than living where there are few social networks.”

Read more: http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2010/09/07/living-in-cities-can-add-to-risk-of-psychoses/#ixzz0yvqAu7yb

[Mister Micawber]

to shore that up would likely be helpful = it would be useful to support that more strongly.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's