When looking to improve your health, you might change your diet, exercise more, or adjust your sleep schedule. While these are all positive steps, you might be surprised to learn that your social life could be just as important, if not more so, for your overall health and wellbeing.
Research into the power of social connection reveals that the amount of time you spend with others could have a significant effect on your physical and mental health, and your recovery from serious health issues.
Read on to learn why developing strong social connections is one of the best health changes you can make.
Lack of social connection can cause a physical stress response in the body
Our brains are hardwired to seek out social connection. Being around others gives us an evolutionary advantage because there is safety in numbers. As a result, when we are isolated, we often experience a stress response.
According to research reported in the Guardian, the brain releases cortisol – the stress hormone – causing inflammation in the body, which has been linked to many health issues. When you are regularly isolated, you can experience chronic stress and inflammation, increasing your chances of developing conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
Additionally, high levels of inflammation can hinder the healing process, meaning that you recover from serious health issues much more slowly.
Fortunately, regular social connection has the opposite effect. When you are around other people, the brain releases oxytocin, which is anti-inflammatory, reduces stress levels, and promotes healing.
As such, regular social contact could improve your physical health and reduce your chances of developing serious health problems.
An active social life could slow cognitive decline
Memory conditions such as Alzheimer’s are among the most pressing health challenges that older people face.
While these are complex conditions with many contributing causes, evidence suggests that a more active social life could slow cognitive decline.
A study reported by Healthline found that older people who had extended conversations with researchers several times a week for a year had improved thinking and reasoning abilities compared with participants who only spoke to researchers once a week for a short time.
As such, regular socialising could help you remain more mentally active and potentially reduce cognitive issues. That said, conditions such as Alzheimer’s are very complex, and it’s important to seek medical advice if you are concerned about your memory.
Spending time with others promotes positive mental health
Looking after your mental wellbeing is important as you age because you face distinct challenges, such as a loss of purpose when retiring and increased chances of limiting health issues.
However, research shows that regular social activity could have a marked effect on your mental health.
For example, a study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults who were less socially connected were more than twice as likely to develop depression as those who had an active social group.
Healthline also reports that being sociable improves your ability to deal with stress and anxiety, which can lead to more serious mental health conditions if left unchecked.
There is a two-way relationship between sleep and social activity
It’s well established that sleep is vital for good physical and mental health, and experts recommend that you have at least seven to nine hours a night. Unfortunately, many of us fall short of this target.
Indeed, Mental Health UK reports that almost one in five people in the UK are not getting enough sleep.
There are many causes of and solutions to poor sleep, but there is an interesting two-way relationship between rest and social activity.
A study reported by UCLA Health found that, in a group of 3,200 adults over the age of 60, those who were regularly involved in group hobbies, community groups, or team sports reported better sleep. The same was true of adults aged 45 to 75 who reported having meaningful social relationships.
Interestingly, this positive correlation works in reverse, too, because being well-rested often makes it easier to maintain an active social life. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation makes you less inclined to socialise, reduces empathy, and makes you less effective at processing emotions.
This means you will socialise less, negatively impacting your sleep and creating a vicious cycle.
Prioritising social activity could promote positive health as you age
It’s difficult to maintain an active social life, especially when you have a busy schedule of work and home responsibilities.
However, as you can see, spending quality time with others can protect your physical and mental health in many ways.
That’s why you may want to prioritise your social life, especially as you age.
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