One zero cost hack to good health is to have stronger social connections - with spouse, family, friends, community, etc. And this is backed by evidential research and data.
A study of the longest living centenarians in the Blue Zones reveals that one of the key aspects of their life is strong social bonds. They have close relationships with their spouse, family and friends, live close to them and are constantly surrounded by or in constant touch with them.
You must have also heard of, or read about, the long running Harvard Study which found a strong association between happiness and positive close relationships such as with the spouse, family, friends, and social circles. This study also found that people’s level of satisfaction with their relationships at age 50 was a better predictor of physical health than their cholesterol levels were! It revealed that people who were the most satisfied in their relationships at age 50 were the healthiest at age 80! Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives!
It also found that “Personal connections creates mental and emotional stimulation, which are automatic mood boosters, while isolation is a mood buster.” 1
Studies also show that friendship and social connections provide intellectual stimulation and emotional support through hardships and support good health and longevity.
The strength and number of our relationships affect our mental and physical wellbeing and health. Strong social connections will lower rates of anxiety and depression and support higher self-esteem.
The better news is that there’s also a flow-on effect, whereby people around you will also want to spend time with you. In this way, social connectedness generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical wellbeing.
In a nutshell, Older people who remain connected with others, and have strong relationships, are likely to:
have a better quality of life
be more satisfied with their life
be happier than others
have higher self esteem and empathy
have a lower risk of dementia and mental decline
have slow or delayed physical decline
need less domestic support
have better immunity
get protection from the 3 key long-term health problems - heart disease, stroke and cancer
experience lower stress
have fewer common mental health problems like depression and anxiety
lead a longer and healthier healthspan
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Poor social connections impact younger people (teenagers and people in their 20s) as well - those who are isolated can suffer from a serious impact on their physical wellbeing by increasing the risk of obesity, inflammation and high blood pressure.
What’s more, the benefits of social ties are significant, even if other mortality risk factors (such as socioeconomic status, smoking, drinking, obesity and lack of physical activity) are low. In other words, even if you live a healthy life - as in have a good diet plan, exercise, sleep well, etc., you still need to be socially active, to stay healthy and happy.
So it is established beyond doubt that strong social connects will help everyone live better, healthier, happier, and longer, irrespective of their social status, financial status, health status, IQ or age. What’s more, it costs nothing, is enjoyable, does not entail great effort, discipline or study, and is a deep rooted basis of being a Human!
But strong social connections take time to build.
Here are some insights on building strong social bonds:
Start early - the longer the connection, the stronger and more impactful is the bond
Stay in touch - out of sight, is out of connect. Just a “checking in” Whatsapp, call or visit, will rekindle relations
Bond over a meal (and maybe a glass of wine) - nothing works better than food and drinks to keep a social connection strong
Share a common interest / hobby / work - connect with a community, with whom you share a common interest / hobby / work / passion - present or past
Get into volunteering - you will meet different people from diverse backgrounds and you can initiate a social connection due to your common volunteering interest
Do fun things together - exercising, playing games, visiting places, traveling to different places, celebrating occasions, etc. There are any number of fun things you can do together - invite family, friends and the community to bond together.
Strong social connections will make you happier and healthier.
They will Change your Life for the Better.
So who are you calling Today and who will you be meeting Tomorrow?
(Age Reversal Evangelist)
This blog is my effort to inspire you with the latest developments in the space of healthspan, lifespan and age reversal. In simple English! Do share and Stay tuned.
I would love to hear from you. I can be reached at mehtaakkshay@gmail.com
Akshay, reading your blog was very refreshing and can change the way one lives, and helps anyone who is in search of Happiness.