#7: Social Connections: The 6th Pillar to Live Long and Well

Introduction:Today's topic: Pillar number six - The Importance of Social RelationshipsSocial relationships add meaning and joy to our lives.  They also influence how long we are likely to live and how active and functional our later years will beAfter reviewing key studies, I will explore how we can assess our social relationships and ultimately improve themScientific studies that support the relationship between social relationships and longevityFirst Study: Impact of spousal loss on mortality-studies have shown that when one spouse dies, the likelihood of death in the other spouse doubles during the next week, month, and year.  Second Study: Harvard Study of Adult Development showed that the presence of social relationship in your 50s was the strongest predictor of living long and well.  More impactful that blood pressure, exercise, or cholesterol controlThird Study: Meta-analysis summary of multiple studies showing the strong relationship between social connections and survival rateFourth Study: The risk of mortality in people with heart disease was greatest in individuals lacking significant social relationshipsFifth Study: although not specifically about relationship, this study showed the importance of mental health (depression) and the risk of experiencing a cardiac eventAssessing your own social relationships:A self-assessment or social relationship audit can be found in this important articleSeven important aspects of social connections: Safety/SecurityLearning/GrowthEmotional closenessAffirmationRomantic intimacyAssistance in need Fun/RelaxationThese seven aspects of social relationships need not be met by a single individual.  Having a network of people in your world can help you to have each of the needed support elements.Personal Reflections:Importance of immediate family and broader relationships for happiness and healthStrategy for maintaining connections even as one ages and loses close friends or relativesMotivation to evaluate and strengthen social networks for well-beingUpcoming Topics:Future topics to explore after the six pillarsPossibilities like nutritional supplements, caffeine, alcohol, sun protection, navigating healthcare, and finding the right doctorSend us Fan MailSupport the show📥 Tap to join my free newsletter & get the 1-page episode checklists: drbobbylivelongandwell.com