What is as Vital as Exercise for Longevity, New Study Shows..
What is as Vital as Exercise for Longevity, New Study Shows..
Research Highlights the Critical Role of Friendships in Health and Well-Being
While exercise, diets, and vitamin supplements have long been associated with health and longevity, recent research suggests that your social network might be equally influential. In his new book, The Laws of Connection, author and BBC journalist David Robson presents compelling evidence that maintaining a robust social network can significantly impact your health.
Robson explores the “biopsychosocial” model of health, revealing that friendships and social interactions can affect everything from immune function to heart disease risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even established a Commission on Social Connection, labeling it a “global health priority.”
The concept of social connections influencing health isn’t new. In the 1960s, Lester Breslow identified the “Alameda 7” habits associated with longevity, including not smoking, drinking moderately, getting adequate sleep, exercising, avoiding snacks, maintaining a moderate weight, and eating breakfast. However, by 1979, researchers Lisa Berkman and S. Leonard Syme identified an additional crucial factor: Social Connection.
Their research found that individuals with extensive social networks were about half as likely to die compared to those with fewer social ties. This finding remained consistent even after accounting for factors such as socioeconomic status, initial health conditions, smoking, exercise, and diet.
The evidence suggests that social support not only boosts the immune system but also provides protection against infections, underscoring the importance of fostering and maintaining strong relationships for overall health and longevity.
