We’ve previously reported that socialising in pubs is pretty good for your mental health. Well, time to rephrase: it might be good for your health, period.
A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science has found that loneliness or social isolation can be just as bad as obesity when it comes to measuring your possible longevity. Researchers combed through a variety of health studies on the subjects of loneliness, social isolation, and living along. All told, they had data on over three million participants. After controlling for things like age, gender, pre-existing health conditions, and age, they found that the lack of social connections presents a serious risk to longevity, but the effect works the other way too—more social connections can help you live longer.
According to researchers, “In essence, the study is saying the more positive psychology we have in our world, the better we’re able to function not just emotionally but physically.”
