Being socially active isn’t just good for your mood—it might actually help you live longer.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society shows that older adults who regularly take part in social activities have a significantly lower risk of dying over a four-year period.
The study looked at 2,268 people in the United States, all aged 60 and older.
In 2016, these participants completed detailed surveys about their social and lifestyle habits and also gave blood samples.
The researchers found that those who were more socially active had a 42% lower chance of dying over the next four years compared to those with the least social engagement.
The types of activities that seemed to offer the greatest benefits included volunteering for charities, spending time with grandchildren, and participating in sports or social clubs.
These activities not only kept people connected but also appeared to improve both physical health and emotional well-being.
What’s especially interesting is that the researchers found two main reasons why social activity may help people live longer.
First, people who were more socially active tended to be more physically active as well, which is already known to reduce health risks.
Second, blood tests showed that their biological aging seemed to be slower. In other words, their bodies were aging at a healthier rate than those of less socially active individuals.
According to Dr. Ashraf Abugroun, the lead author of the study and a researcher at the University of California, San Francisco, the findings show that social connection is more than just a pleasant part of life—it may be a key part of healthy aging.
He emphasized that participating in community life can have a real, measurable impact on how long people live.
This research adds to a growing body of evidence that staying engaged with others can help people stay healthier as they age.
Whether it’s joining a local club, volunteering, or simply spending more time with family and friends, social activities could play an important role in living a longer, more fulfilling life.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about how ultra-processed foods and red meat influence your longevity, and why seafood may boost healthy aging.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the power of pickle juice and time-restricted eating: a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
Source: Wiley.
