Numerous previous studies have shown that people will live longer, in general, when harmful habits such as smoking are avoided. However, new studies demonstrate how social networks and relationships may have the same life-enhancing effects as avoiding smoking.
Researchers, who collected the outcomes of 148 studies, estimated that people with solid personal relationships are 50% more likely than those without to endure over a precise period of time. The analysis doesn’t prove that relationships directly help people live longer, but it seems clear that “our relationships come with more than just emotional benefits,” said study author Julianne Holt-Lunstad, an associate professor of psychology at Brigham Young University.
Lasting friendships can bring longer lasting lives.
308, 849 people were examined by researchers from Brigham Young University on the effects of relationships with family and friends. The studies were done in Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America for an average of 7 1/2 years. The results showed that strong relationships had a comparable effect to that of quitting smoking.
Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor who studies happiness at the University of California at Riverside, said friends and family can affect your health in a variety of ways. “They help support good health habits: They remind us to put that seat belt on and ask us about that pain we’ve had, have we had that checked out? That may be the biggest factor.”
Researchers from BYU noted that with so many distractions from technology, relationships seem to be taking a hit. Relationships may also reduce stress and boost the immune system. Or, it could be that people with more relationships live longer because “they’re healthier to begin with: They could be more active and have more energy to engage in social activities,” she said.
The authors also noted that other factors could also play a role. They also said it’s very difficult to confidently say that having more social relationships will translate to longer lifespans.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-07-30-friends-wellbeing_N.htm