The Power of Social Networks on Health: A New Perspective

David Robson’s new book sheds light on an intriguing link between our social networks and our health. Emerging evidence suggests that our relationships can impact our well-being as profoundly as our exercise routines.

Recent attention has focused on the role of social connections in health and longevity. People with strong social networks are often healthier than those who feel isolated. This connection is so significant that the World Health Organization has established a Commission on Social Connection, deeming it a global health priority.

Skeptics may question how relationships influence physical health, but research supports the “biopsychosocial” model of health. Robson’s exploration in *The Laws of Connection* reveals that friendships can affect everything from immune system strength to heart disease risk. The evidence is clear: prioritizing social connections is crucial for a long, healthy life.

The scientific roots of this understanding date back to the early 1960s. Lester Breslow at the California State Department of Public Health conducted a major study to identify habits that promote longevity. His research, involving nearly 7,000 participants, established key health guidelines, now known as the “Alameda 7”: avoid smoking, drink moderately, get adequate sleep, exercise, limit snacks, maintain a healthy weight, and eat breakfast.

By 1979, Breslow’s colleagues, Lisa Berkman and S. Leonard Syme, identified an additional factor influencing longevity: social connections. Their research found that people with more social ties were about half as likely to die compared to those with fewer connections, even after accounting for factors like socioeconomic status, initial health, and lifestyle habits. They discovered that connections with spouses and close friends provided the greatest health benefits, though even casual acquaintances contributed positively.

Initially, this finding was overlooked in public health guidance due to the prevailing view of the body as a machine separate from mental and social influences. However, extensive research now confirms that social connection and loneliness significantly affect our susceptibility to various diseases.

As a whole, fostering strong social relationships may be as vital to our health as maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise.