Socializing May Add Years to Your Life, Study Finds

Socializing May Add Years to Your Life, Study Finds
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A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has found that social connections may significantly extend the life expectancy of older adults, SciTech Daily reported. The research, which analyzed data from 2,268 people in the United States aged 60 and over, revealed a direct link between higher levels of social engagement and a lower risk of mortality.

According to the findings, older adults who were highly active in social pursuits were 42% less likely to die within a four-year period compared to those with low engagement. The study pointed to specific activities as being particularly beneficial, including volunteering, spending time with grandchildren, and joining social clubs or sports teams.

The authors of the study, as referenced in an article by SciTechDaily, concluded that “staying socially active is more than a lifestyle choice. It is closely linked to healthier aging and longevity.” The research also suggested that physical activity and a deceleration of biological aging played a role in the positive outcomes associated with social engagement.