Marker check · 4 questions
Social life
In the Holt-Lunstad meta-analysis of 148 studies, people with strong social relationships had 50% higher odds of survival over the study periods — an effect size comparable to quitting smoking. Close confidants, a stable partnership, and belonging to a community each contribute independently; chronic isolation raises blood pressure, inflammation, and dementia risk.
The research
- Holt-Lunstad et al., PLoS Med 2010 — 148-study meta: +50% survival odds
- Steptoe et al., PNAS 2013 — isolation predicts mortality
- Manzoli et al., Soc Sci Med 2007 — marriage/partnership meta-analysis