Come out of your shell, live forever

Researchers are discovering the health value of social relationships, not just feel good value but real physical value.

Social connections influence our long-term health in ways every bit as powerful as adequate sleep, a good diet, and not smoking, doctors at the Harvard Medical School say. 

Conversely, a relative lack of social ties is associated with depression and later-life cognitive decline, as well as with increased mortality. One study, which examined data from more than 309,000 people, found that lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50% — an effect on mortality risk roughly comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and greater than obesity and physical inactivity.


Connecting with others helps relieve harmful levels of stress, which can adversely affect coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system. Caring behaviors trigger the release of stress-reducing hormones.

So get out on those ice-covered roads and go see someone!