Want to Live a Long Life? Start Prioritizing Your Friends

Discover how your social connections can be as vital to your health as your exercise routine.

Your social network might influence your health just as much as your exercise habits. According to David Robson, author of “The Laws of Connection,” our relationships play a surprising role in our overall well-being.

The Power of Social Connections

Modern research highlights the importance of relationships in health and longevity. People with strong social networks tend to be healthier than those who feel isolated. The World Health Organization has even established a Commission on Social Connection, emphasizing its significance for global health.

Early Research on Relationships and Health

In the 1960s, Lester Breslow conducted a study in California, revealing key habits for a long life, including non-smoking, moderate drinking, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Later, researchers Lisa Berkman and S. Leonard Syme added social connections to this list, finding that people with more social ties were significantly less likely to die early.

How Relationships Affect Your Health

Social connections boost your immune system and protect against infections. A study by Sheldon Cohen at Carnegie Mellon University found that people with more social connections were less likely to catch colds. Moreover, strong social ties reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s. The most significant evidence points to cardiovascular health, where poor social connections increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by about 30%.

The Bigger Picture

Julianne Holt-Lunstad’s research shows that social connections are crucial for health, often outweighing the benefits of physical activities like exercise. Her study found that social relationships impact mortality more than other factors like alcohol consumption, exercise, body mass index, and air pollution.

Evolutionary Perspective

Our brains and bodies might have evolved to see social isolation as a serious threat. Early humans relied on group support for survival. Social pain, like physical pain, may have evolved to protect us from danger. Chronic loneliness can lead to increased stress hormones and inflammation, raising the risk of several diseases.

Improving Your Social Health

Even if you’re naturally shy, you can enhance your social skills with practice. Plan social activities just like you would a fitness routine. Building and maintaining meaningful connections can significantly improve your overall health.

Prioritizing your relationships is essential for a long and healthy life. By nurturing old bonds and creating new ones, you can enhance your well-being and longevity.

References:

Robson, D. (2023). The Laws of Connection: The Scientific Secrets of Building a Strong Social Network.
World Health Organization. (2023). Commission on Social Connection.
Cohen, S. (1990s). Carnegie Mellon University Study on Social Ties and Health.
Holt-Lunstad, J. (2010). Brigham Young University Study on Social Integration and Health.