Studies have shown that those with strong ties to their family and friends tend to live longer, but it’s not just about the number of years. The quality of their lives is also much higher than those with few social connections.
Humans are social creatures. We evolved as tribes and maintaining strong ties to the tribe was a necessary survival skill. Estrangement from the people around us today may not post the same immediate risk to our safety, but it’s still a vital part of our mental and physical health.
Longer, Happier Lives
Studies have shown that those with strong ties to their family and friends tend to live longer, but it’s not just about the number of years. The quality of their lives is also much higher than those with few social connections.
Physical and Emotional Support
Fostering and maintaining connections has numerous benefits and the most obvious is probably support. When times get tough, it’s invaluable for us to know that our friends and family have our back. In turn, we can support them when they’re down, which strengthens our bond with them and makes us feel needed and valued in our community.
It’s important to share the good times, too. Sometimes hearing about something good that happened to a friend when we’re suffering can help lift our spirits. We can celebrate with our friend and be reminded that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
It works just as well the other way around. Our joys and success are so much sweeter when we can share them with the people we care about.