“What’s past is prologue,” Shakespeare once wrote, reminding us that our lives are not entirely determined by the past but shaped by what we do today. Today, I offer a simple way to extend your lifespan.
And when it comes to living a long, vibrant life, science reveals that the answer isn’t hidden in some complex elixir or expensive treatment.
It’s not about denying yourself pleasure or living a life of extremes. Instead, the solution is simpler than that.
Forget fad diets and grueling exercise routines.
Admittedly, I will continue my grueling physical activity (but that’s another story of grit, determination, and — yes, my friends and family would offer — stubbornness.
The Secret
The true secret to longevity might just surprise you.
It’s not about denying yourself pleasure or living a life of extremes.
Instead, it lies in a simple, often-overlooked factor that could be the key to adding years to your life and life to your years.
Get ready because I’m about to unveil this oft-forgotten secret; trust me, it’s a game-changer.
It’s friendship.
The Evidence
Is there proof that you should prioritize companionship to have a long health span and lifespan?
In the 1960s, California researcher Lester Breslow began investigating the secrets of living a long life.
He asked thousands in Alameda County (California) about their daily habits, creating a detailed snapshot of their lifestyles.
Then, he followed them for years to see how they did.
SOCIAL NETWORKS, HOST RESISTANCE, AND MORTALITY: A NINE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY…
academic.oup.com.
Study Results
Within ten years, Breslow and his team found seven things that were crucial for staying healthy:
- no smoking
- moderate drinking
- enough sleep
- regular exercise
- no snacking
- maintaining a healthy weight
- eating breakfast.
Some subsequently labeled these habits the “Alameda 7.”
The approaches remain central to health recommendations.
But Wait, There’s More: Factor #8
The research didn’t stop there, though.
By the late 1970s, two of Breslow’s colleagues, Lisa Berkman and Leonard Syme, uncovered another important factor:
Having strong social connections is associated with a longer life.
They found that people with a lot of social ties were much less likely to die than those with fewer connections, even after accounting for things like income, education, and pre-existing health conditions, as well as smoking, exercise, and diet.
A Simple Way to Extend Your Lifespan – What Kind of Relationships?
As the researchers dug deeper into their findings, they realized that various relationships made a difference, but some had a bigger impact than others.
Feeling close to your spouse and best friends offered the greatest benefits for a longer life.
However, even those friendly chats with neighbors or folks at the bowling alley helped to keep death at bay.
A Simple Way to Extend Your Lifespan – Correlation versus Causation
You may now wonder whether I am making too much fuss.
After all, correlation does not necessarily mean causation.
Here’s another example I like:
Ice cream sales rise in summer.
Drownings also go up in the summer season.
Should we conclude that ice cream causes drownings?
Why I Think Friends Matter
Let’s face it: We will never have a study randomizing individuals to a no-friendship condition versus a non-lonely life.
Unethical.
And who would sign up?
But we can use the Bradford Hill guidelines, a set of criteria used to establish causation in epidemiological studies, to determine if a lifestyle choice, like being socially connected, actually leads to a health outcome, like living longer.
Causal Link: Social Connections and Longevity
The evidence for a causal link between social connections and longevity is strong.
Long-term studies like the Alameda research show a clear timeline: people report feeling lonely or isolated long before any health problems develop.
Furthermore, the research shows a dose-response relationship, meaning the more isolated someone is, the worse their health outcomes tend to be.
People who are completely isolated are more likely to get sick than those who are occasionally lonely, who in turn have more health problems than those with rich social lives.
Moreover, the link between social health and longevity has also been found in many different groups worldwide, using various methods to measure social connection.
Whether researchers ask people about relationships or examine objective facts like marital status, frequency of social interactions, or how often someone sees friends, the pattern remains consistent: stronger social connections are associated with longer life.
Other Animals, Too
Interestingly, this pattern isn’t limited to humans. Scientists have found similar effects in other social animals, such as dolphins, baboons, and macaques.
The more connected an animal is within their group, the longer they tend to live.
This finding suggests that social connection and longevity are deeply rooted in biology and evolution.
My Take – A Simple Way to Extend Your Lifespan
I am good about scheduling exercise time to improve my physical (and psychological) well-being.
I need to be more intentional about making time for meaningful social interactions.
Hopefully, I can better tap into my innate need for connection, even as an introvert.
A Simple Way to Extend Your Lifespan – Suggestions for Making Social Connections
Here are some ideas for making social connections:
- Join a club or group centered around your interests: This is a great way to meet people who share your passions, whether a book club, sports team, hiking group, or anything else.
- Take a class or workshop: Learning a new skill is fun and enriching and provides opportunities to connect with others in the class.
- Attend local events and festivals: Check out community calendars for concerts, fairs, markets, or other gatherings where you can mingle and meet new people.
- Use online platforms and apps: While not a replacement for in-person connection, online communities and social networking apps can be a starting point for finding people with similar interests and potentially forming friendships.
- Offer help and support to others: Kindness and generosity can go a long way in building relationships and fostering a sense of community.
- Be open to new experiences and opportunities: Sometimes, unexpected encounters can lead to the most meaningful connections.
Remember, building social connections takes time and effort. Be patient, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The rewards of meaningful social relationships are well worth the investment.
Do you prioritize your social well-being?
The Laws of Connection: The Scientific Secrets of Building a Strong Social Network
Buy The Laws of Connection: The Scientific Secrets of Building a Strong Social Network on Amazon.com ✓ FREE SHIPPING on…www.amazon.com
Thank you for reading “A Simple Way to Extend Your Lifespan.” One more thing: Don’t forget to sign up to follow this blog site. Thanks, again!
