29, 33) and boost fading energy levels as you get older (89).People with a strong social network live an average of 22 percent longer than those without one, according to a 2005 study in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health that followed nearly 1,500 people for ten years. Why are social ties so beneficial? For one thing, having close friendships protects against depression, which is increasingly common as you get older. That, in turn, may motivate you to take better care of yourself. Having a network of people you can turn to in times of stress or anxiety can also give you support and practical help, ultimately minimizing stress. Plus, loved ones watch your back and push you to see a doctor if you need to.
Social connection keeps you physically active as well. A 2009 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that older adults who were less social had a more rapid decline in motor function. The adults measured their social activeness on a scale of one to five, with one meaning they participated in social activities once a year, and five indicating near-daily participation. For every one-point drop in their scores, their physical function declined 33 percent (equivalent to being five years older than their actual age). If their scores dropped by a point in a single year, the resulting physical decline led to a 65 percent increased risk of disability and 40 percent increased chance of dying.
Note that studies show health benefits for a strong social network—not necessarily a large one. While having a diverse group of acquaintances, casual friends, close friends, and those who are like family (they might even be family) is beneficial, research suggests that those top two tiers are most important to your well-being. For example, while younger people may have larger overall social circles, both young and older adults tend to have the same number of close connections, which they agree is what helps them feel socially engaged. In fact, as relationships in the outer social circle dwindle, older adults may find themselves able to devote more time to close emotional ties and focus on those meaningful relationships. Having fewer than three very close relationships, however, is associated with loneliness, anxiety, and depression. If you’ve dipped below that, consider investing in other relationships to find another true friend or two.
If your social circle is shrinking, you may need to make an extra effort to meet new people and stay engaged. Whether it’s taking a class, volunteering, joining a jogging group, or attending a lecture at your local community center, there are countless opportunities to get involved and make new friends. Cast a wide social net, and be open to new places, people, and experiences. These things can be helpful for deepening existing relationships as well, and the combination of social activity and novelty can also help ward off cognitive decline (29, 33) and boost fading energy levels as you get older (89).
Being part of a faith community might also add years to your life—several studies have found that religious participation is linked to longevity. A 1999 study in the journal Demography found that white people who attended religious services at least once a week lived seven years longer than those who never attended—and blacks lived an impressive fourteen years longer.
The benefit partly stems from social connection and having a place to engage in leisure activities that are cognitively stimulating and encourage physical activity, notes a 2008 study in the Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. Early research also suggests that religious men and women, regardless of race or ethnicity, tend to engage in healthier lifestyles. And a 2000 study in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine found that for women, attending religious services once a week protected their health just as much as avoiding cigarette smoking, doing regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and participating in nonreligious social involvement.
