A recent study by the journal PLoS Medicine indicates that a strong social life and no smoking is a good recipe for a healthy life.
Research done at Brigham Young University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill brought together data from 148 studies related to health outcomes and social relationships. The results indicate that individuals with poor social connections had a 50% higher odds of death in the study’s follow-up period – which was an average of 7.5 years – than those with strong, active social ties.
The study draws conclusions from their research, but ultimately, it’s only scratching the surface. The hows and whys are sometimes quantifiable – such as blood pressure and heart rate will increase less when people are with someone who is close to them – but much of the subject will require more study, something the authors say must be done.
But, ultimately, bolstering your social connections may help you stay happier, healthier and live longer.