More evidence of the importance of healthy relationships: Social isolation is as harmful to your health as being alcoholic, obese, or smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to new study from Brigham Young University.
Professor Julianne Holt-Lunstad and her colleagues followed 308,849 people, average age 64 years old, for over seven years. Those who had strong personal ties to family and friends lived about four years longer than those weaker social alliances.
"This effect is not isolated for older adults," said researcher Timothy Smith. "Relationships provide a level of protection across all ages. ... Constant interaction is not only beneficial psychologically but also directly to our physical health."
The study appears in the Public Library of Science Medicine journal.
Labels: relationships, health
Posted By: Aspen Education Group