A new book by David Robson, “The Laws of Connection,” sheds light on the surprising link between social relationships and longevity. According to Robson, a thriving social network may influence your health as much as your exercise routine.
Recent studies highlight that people with strong social ties are generally healthier and live longer than those who feel isolated. This connection is so significant that the World Health Organization has established a new Commission on Social Connection, labeling it a “global health priority.”
Robson’s exploration into the “biopsychosocial” model of health reveals that friendships can impact everything from the immune system to heart disease risks. His findings indicate that prioritizing relationships can lead to a longer, healthier life.
Historical research backs this up. In the 1960s, Lester Breslow’s study in California identified key health behaviors for longevity. By 1979, further research by Lisa Berkman and S Leonard Syme introduced social connection as a crucial factor. Their study showed that people with more social ties were about half as likely to die compared to those with fewer connections, independent of other health factors.
Further research confirmed the importance of social ties. In one study, participants with richer social networks were three to four times less likely to catch a cold after exposure to a virus. Another study linked stronger social ties to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
The most compelling evidence involves cardiovascular health. Large-scale studies have shown that poor social relationships increase the risk of heart disease by about 30%. Julianne Holt-Lunstad’s analysis of 148 studies, covering 300,000 participants, found that social relationships had a greater impact on longevity than many other health behaviors, rivaled only by smoking.
The evolutionary perspective suggests that early humans relied on social bonds for survival, which may explain why isolation triggers stress responses that harm long-term health. Chronic loneliness can lead to increased inflammation and other physiological changes that raise the risk of diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.
Robson emphasizes that social skills can be developed like muscles, even for introverts. By investing in relationships, anyone can improve their health and extend their lifespan.
