Studies show that an active social life can help people stay healthier and live longer.
One study, conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, concluded that strong social ties, in general, can be beneficial to both mental and physical health. They found that an active social life has been linked to a lower risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease, greater ability to carry out physical tasks, improved happiness, and better cognitive functioning.
Conversely, a relative lack of social ties is associated with depression, later-life cognitive decline, and increased mortality.
One Harvard Medical School study found that a lack of strong social relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50%. People who smoke up to 15 cigarettes a day have the same kind of increased risk, according to the study.
There are many ways to keep an active social life, like volunteering or picking up a new sport or activity.
One approach is to revisit friendships outside of work that tends to lapse during your busy workweek. Make a conscious effort to stay in touch, even if it’s for a cup of coffee or a walk around the neighbourhood.
Social health can be often overlooked. If you are the most physically fit person in the world but you are indifferent to those around you, you aren’t living a healthy life.
