In a society where health and longevity are major concerns, attention is often based on food, physical activity or sleep. However, an often underestimated factor plays an equally essential role: social relationships. Recent scientific studies show that maintaining solid friendships can have a significant impact on our life expectancy. Sharing moments with friends, exchange, laughing or simply feeling surrounded contributes not only to our mental well-being, but also to our physical health. Thus, spending time with your friends is not just a pleasure: it is also a real asset to live longer.
Social relations, an often forgotten pillar of health
“”Take out and spend time with friends promotes longevity“, says Professor Sarah Harper, first expert in gerontology appointed to the University of Oxford. On the other hand, it alerts the deleterious effects of social isolation, comparable to those of tobacco on health. According to the specialist, frequent social interactions can slow down the aging process, while solitude has truly harmful effects on our health. With others, we can strengthen the resistance of our cells in the face of aging.
The social environment influences cellular aging
“We now understand how the interactions between our cells and our social environment influence aging, and this gives us the opportunity to act”she explained in the Podcast Inside Health of the BBC. “”Moreover, a recent study indicates that 60 % of the aging process depends on our way of life “. Professor Harper stresses that although research is still at a preliminary stage, they promise to be crucial for the future. According to her, the evidence is now solid: loneliness can have an impact on health comparable to that of smoking.
It recommends adopting “beneficial health activities” in order to preserve a mental and physical balance, including a balanced diet, of the regular exercise and above all, of social interactions. Last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) also qualified the loneliness of major global health threat. The United States general surgeon even estimated that its effects on mortality equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.
In short, friendships are not limited to simple emotional support: they play a concrete role in our health and our longevity. Cultivating your relationships is therefore also taking care of your life.