Get Connected to Live Longer

Researchers evaluating the results from 148 studies¹ involving 308,849 participants found a 50% increased rate of survival for those with a connected social network. This data applied to any age and did not discriminate if such relationships were positive or negative – it was simply the notion of being more connected with others.

This places a lack of social interaction on par with smoking 15 cigarettes per day, being an alcoholic, and worse than not exercising or being overweight.

The available study data did not allow researchers to determine why this is the case. Indeed, the data had to include negative and stressful relationships. Whether it is a network of friends, family, work associates, etc. does not seem to matter. The researchers speculated that the responsibility of involvement with others may provide goals and motivation to take better care of oneself. Whatever the reason, it is pretty clear from this data that too much isolation from others is not a good thing for one’s health.