A study at Brigham Young University, which was reported in the journal PLOS Medicine, found that our personal relationships are among the “short list” of factors that predict our odds of living or dying. The study authored by BYU professors Julianne Holt-Lunstad, Timothy Smith and J. Bradley Layton found that people with adequate social relationships—friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues—have a 50 percent greater likelihood of survival compared to those with poor or insufficient relationships. Here is how low social interaction compares to some of the more well-known mortality risk factors:
- Equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day
- Equivalent to being an alcoholic
- More harmful than not exercising
- Twice as harmful as obesity
This is enlightening evidence regarding the value of developing and maintaining personal friendships. While doing so requires some time and effort, as you can see from a longevity standpoint, it’s worth it. On top of that, our relationships enrich our lives and make journey through life more enjoyable.
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