Relationships are not only rewarding, but they could extend your life
“Evidence strongly suggests that social connection qualifies as a protective factor for chronic disease and premature mortality.”
— Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD
There is robust evidence from decades of interdisciplinary science documenting the protective effects of social connections on health and well-being, with the strongest evidence on longevity. A meta-analysis led by Dr. Holt-Lunstad that looked at 148 studies that represented 308,849 participants, showed a 50% increased likelihood of survival for participants with stronger social relationships. Evidence also strongly suggests that social connection qualifies as a protective factor for chronic disease and premature mortality.
At the Translational Science Symposium on Midlife Wellbeing held in advance of the 2021 Annual Meeting of the North American Menopause Society, Dr. Holt-Lunstad, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Brigham and Young University,.talked about the importance of social connectedness to morbidity and mortality.
- Notable data points she shared from her research:
- Loneliness increases earlier death by 26%
- Social isolation increases earlier death by 29%
- Living alone increases earlier death by 32%
Social Connections = Better Health
While her talk was aimed at the importance of providers making sure that patients had good social support and connections. Her takeaway points applicable to individuals were:
- Social connection is fundamental to health and well-being.
- The independent influence of social connection on health and longevity is strong and well-documented.
- Robust evidence points to the importance of prioritizing social connections for personal and public health.
This body of research can be a helpful reminder to those of us in midlife. We often have many demands for our attention and social activities often seem secondary to activities we believe are more important. It might cause us to weigh differently the night out with a friend versus a late night at the office.
This information was presented at the Translational Science Symposium “Charting the Path to Health in Midlife and Beyond: The Biology and Practice of Wellness” held in advance of the 2021 Annual Meeting of The North American Menopause Society in Washington, DC. Excerpts from the Translational Science Symposium are presented as part of the Live From #NAMS2021: The Latest Breakthroughs in Women’s Midlife Wellness series published by Women Living Better and Lisa Health with permission from NAMS.
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