Prioritizing Friendships for Longevity: A Scientific Exploration
The Impact of Social Networks on Health
David Robson, author of a new book on relationships, investigates the significant influence social networks have on our health, rivaling even our exercise habits. This surprising connection is backed by extensive research and evidence.
The Importance of Social Connectedness
Current research underscores the importance of social relationships in maintaining health and longevity. Individuals with robust social networks tend to be healthier than those who feel isolated. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized social connectedness as a “global health priority,” establishing a new Commission to address this issue.
Historical Roots of Social Health Research
The investigation into the health benefits of social ties dates back to the 1960s. Lester Breslow of the California Department of Public Health initiated a study involving nearly 7,000 participants to identify behaviors that promote longevity. The findings, known as the “Alameda 7,” highlighted essential habits such as not smoking, moderate drinking, sufficient sleep, regular exercise, avoiding snacking, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating breakfast.
Discovering the Eighth Factor: Social Ties
By 1979, researchers Lisa Berkman and S. Leonard Syme identified an eighth critical factor: social ties. Their study revealed that people with the most social connections had about half the risk of dying compared to those with fewer ties, even after accounting for factors like socioeconomic status, health, and lifestyle choices.
The Breadth of Relationships Matters
Further research indicated that all types of relationships contribute to health benefits. Strong connections with spouses and close friends are crucial, but even casual acquaintances can positively impact longevity. Despite initial skepticism, numerous studies have confirmed that human connection significantly influences disease susceptibility.
Social Support and Immune Function
In the 1990s, Sheldon Cohen of Carnegie Mellon University found that social connections could boost immunity. Participants with diverse social networks were less likely to develop symptoms of the common cold after exposure to rhinovirus. Those with the lowest social connectedness were three to four times more at risk.
Chronic Diseases and Social Health
Social health extends to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. A study involving 4,000 participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing showed that higher scores on the UCLA Loneliness Scale were linked to a greater likelihood of developing diabetes over the next decade. Strong social ties also appear to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Cardiovascular Disease and Social Ties
The most compelling evidence links social connections to cardiovascular health. Large studies tracking tens of thousands of people have consistently shown that those with fewer social relationships are more prone to hypertension, heart attacks, angina, and strokes. Julian Holt-Lunstad's meta-analysis of 148 studies, involving over 300,000 participants, highlighted that social relationships' size and quality are as crucial to mortality as other well-known lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise.
Correlation vs. Causation
Critics argue about the causality of social connections affecting longevity. While it’s unethical to conduct randomized experiments on social isolation, scientists use the Bradford Hill Criteria to infer causality. Long-term studies, like the Alameda study, show that loneliness precedes disease onset. The dose-response relationship also holds; more isolated individuals tend to have poorer health.
Consistency Across Populations
Research consistently shows similar results across different populations and measures of social connectedness. Whether examining subjective feelings or objective data, the pattern remains consistent. The effects of social health promotion are even observed in social animals like dolphins and rhesus monkeys.
Evolutionary Perspective on Social Ties
The evolutionary perspective suggests that early humans' survival depended on their social connections for food and protection. Consequently, the brain and body evolved to perceive social isolation as a serious threat, triggering physiological responses to mitigate danger.
Physiological Responses to Social Isolation
Social isolation prompts the release of norepinephrine and cortisol, preparing the body for threats. The immune system produces inflammatory molecules to combat potential infections, while fibrinogen production aids wound healing. These responses, though beneficial in the past, may contribute to the modern health risks associated with loneliness.
Conclusion
Prioritizing social connections is vital for health and longevity. As research continues to validate the profound impact of relationships on our well-being, it becomes increasingly clear that fostering strong social networks should be a public health priority.
References:
- Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T.B., & Layton, J.B. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. PLoS Medicine.
- Berkman, L.F., & Syme, S.L. (1979). Social Networks, Host Resistance, and Mortality: A Nine-year Follow-up Study of Alameda County Residents. American Journal of Epidemiology.
- Cohen, S., Doyle, W.J., Skoner, D.P., Rabin, B.S., & Gwaltney, J.M. (1997). Social Ties and Susceptibility to the Common Cold. JAMA.
- Holt-Lunstad, J., et al. (2015). Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review. Perspectives on Psychological Science.
- World Health Organization. (2020). Social Determinants of Health.