Healthy relationship ensures longevity
Your social circle might be just as important for your health as your exercise habits. David Robson, who wrote a new book about relationships, looks at the surprising link between friendships and health.
Lately, there’s been more focus on how our relationships impact our health and lifespan. According to experts, people with strong social networks are generally healthier than those who feel alone. The World Health Organization even created a new Commission on Social Connection, saying it’s crucial for global health.
You might wonder how our relationships can affect our physical health. But research shows that friendships can influence everything from our immune system to our chances of dying from heart disease. The message is clear: to live a long and healthy life, we should value our connections with others.
This idea dates back to the 1960s when researcher Lester Breslow studied 7,000 people in California to find out which habits led to a longer life. He found that things like not smoking, drinking moderately, getting enough sleep, and exercising were important. But by 1979, his colleagues found that social connections were just as crucial. People with strong social ties were about half as likely to die as those with weaker connections, even after considering factors like income and existing health.
Different types of relationships matter, but close ties with spouses and friends offer the most protection. Even casual acquaintances can help. Initially, this idea was overlooked because scientists used to think of the body as separate from our social lives. But now, research confirms that loneliness can make us more prone to many diseases.
For example, a study found that people with strong social connections were less likely to catch a cold when exposed to the virus. Even when other factors like fitness and diet were considered, the social connection still made a big difference. This is more effective than taking vitamin supplements.
Strong social ties also reduce the risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. The most robust evidence links social connections to heart health. Studies show that lonely people are more likely to develop high blood pressure and suffer from heart attacks, strokes, or angina. Loneliness increases the risk of these conditions by about 30%.
A major analysis by psychologist Julianne Holt-Lunstad reviewed 148 studies and found that social relationships are as important as other health factors like smoking, drinking, and exercise. The benefits of social connection often match or exceed the impact of these other factors on health and longevity.
Critics argue that we can’t definitively prove that social connections cause better health because we can’t conduct controlled experiments. However, long-term studies show that people report loneliness before they develop health problems, suggesting a clear sequence. Also, the more lonely someone is, the worse their health tends to be.
The importance of social ties has been documented worldwide. Studies show that the more integrated someone is in their social group, the longer they live. This pattern is seen in other social animals like dolphins and baboons too.
From an evolutionary perspective, being part of a group helped early humans survive. Isolation was dangerous, so our bodies may have evolved to see loneliness as a threat, triggering stress responses that can harm long-term health. Social support helps reduce these harmful processes, promoting better overall health.
Even if you’re shy or introverted, you can build stronger social connections over time. Like muscles, social skills can be developed with practice. So, investing in friendships and social ties can significantly boost your health and longevity.
For more detailed insights and information, check out the full article on BBC .
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240722-why-your-friends-make-you-live-longer