Social ties help you live longer and happier—study

People with healthy social bonds are more likely to live longer than those who are lonely.

For humans, social relationships are essential nutrients that enhance the quality of life, and the protective effect of such ties is equal to quitting smoking and drugs.

Study author Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, said. "Throughout human history, we have relied on others for survival such as protection and food, and despite modern advancements that may [help with] certain aspects of survival so that we can live more independently, it appears that our relationships nonetheless still impact odds of survival."

Details of the study
For the study, the collective data from 148 studies that had examined the effect of social relationships on death risk was analyzed by the researchers.

These studies had followed 308849 people for an average time period of 7.5 years.

Participants who had strong social relations were 50 percent more likely to be alive than others.

Factors like age, gender, or health status had almost no effect on the study results.

Social ties are equivalent to public health concerns
The study findings claim that strength of social relationships is highly essential for a good life and needs to be added to the list of public health concerns.

Researchers believe that in order to live longer and happier, one needs to lay emphasis on strengthening one’s social bonds.

"Foster existing relationships," Holt-Lunstad said. "Call a friend, get to know your neighbors, invite a colleague to lunch, or get together with family.”

Looking for opportunities to get to know others, getting involved in your community, and supporting others are important tips to nurture relationships.

Providing emotional support to others is associated with greater protection from mortality than receiving support.

The study appears in the July issue of PLoS Medicine.