Lifestyle factor
Social connection and life expectancy
Social connection is a less obvious but well-supported factor in life expectancy.
What the research suggests
A widely cited meta-analysis by Holt-Lunstad and colleagues associated strong social relationships with a significantly higher likelihood of survival over follow-up, an effect size comparable to several established physical risk factors. Loneliness and social isolation are independently associated with higher mortality.
What helps
- Maintaining regular contact with people you trust
- Building routine social activity
- Addressing loneliness actively
- Community and group involvement
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How does social connection affect life expectancy?
A widely cited meta-analysis by Holt-Lunstad and colleagues associated strong social relationships with a significantly higher likelihood of survival over follow-up, an effect size comparable to several established physical risk factors. Loneliness and social isolation are independently associated with higher mortality.
What is the single most useful change?
Maintaining regular contact with people you trust. Sustained changes started earlier tend to have the largest effect, though benefit is associated with change at any age.