Being around people who help you feel good about your life can also increase your life expectancy. When you think about living a long and healthy life, it might not be on your list. But a new study suggests that focusing on happiness and social interactions could be a great way to live longer.
What the research says
For this study, researchers examined data from nearly 12,000 adults aged 45 and older who participated in the Chinese Health and Retirement Study. All participants provided blood samples, a detailed medical history, and information about their social circumstances and mental health. Scientists then used all of this data to find that it was useful in finding longevity.
Sadness is the reason for early aging
Psychological factors such as loneliness or unhappiness lead to accelerated aging by 1.65 years, similar to normal aging for healthy people without any physical or mental health problems, according to the results of a study published in the journal Aging. Looks.
“Mental and psychosocial status are among the strongest predictors of health outcomes and quality of life,” study co-author Manuel Faria of Stanford University said in a statement. ,
There can never be a reason to never get married
There is also accelerated aging in smokers and people with a history of stroke, liver and lung disease. Smoking accelerated aging by 1.25 years. Other factors that accelerated aging include living in a rural area and never getting married. Several previous studies have also linked social isolation and loneliness to an increased risk of premature death.
The NCBI study found that social isolation is quite common in middle age, affecting about 17 percent of women and 21 percent of men. For both sexes, being unmarried and frequently participating in religious activities were among the main causes of social isolation. It was associated with a 62 percent higher risk of premature death in women and a 75 percent higher chance of early death in men.
Social isolation is common in middle age
Another study of nearly 120,000 middle-aged adults in 20 different countries found that social isolation is more common among women, the elderly, urban dwellers, people with low levels of education and unemployed individuals. Overall, social isolation was associated with a 26 percent higher risk of premature death, and its risk was greatest among people living in high-income countries.
be together, be happy, live long
It is possible that some association between social isolation and longevity depends on the underlying cause. A study of more than 35,000 elderly people found that social isolation was associated with a 22 percent higher risk of premature death. From the things discovered in the research, it is clear that isolation or seclusion can increase your life, so be happy and live long.
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