Long-lasting friendships with family, buddies, or even colleagues can add a lot more to your happiness than you might think. Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, a biologist who’s spent 25 years diving deep into the science of aging, argues that these relationships are crucial not just for joy but also for living longer. He even founded a health tech company called Optispan to help folks extend their lifespans.
Dr. Kaeberlein states, “The data is really compelling. Numerous studies consistently show that strong social ties can lead to a longer life and fewer age-related health issues compared to those who tend to isolate themselves.”
His claims are so powerful that there’s a notion to include social isolation in the Hallmarks Of Aging report, which, since 2013, tracks what affects our aging process.
Kaeberlein adds, “For the first time, a factor that isn’t related to cells or molecules—specifically psychosocial isolation—might actually be recognized as something that’s becoming increasingly significant in aging research.”
He highlighted middle-aged men as being especially vulnerable to the dangers of social isolation, calling it a “massive issue.” But there is a silver lining: forging new connections can actually be quite beneficial.
“One crucial takeaway from longevity science is that, barring a few exceptions, it’s never too late to make changes that can positively influence your health moving forward,” Kaeberlein explains.
Steps to Enhance Your Personal Connections
There are no set paths to improve your social interactions to boost your longevity. In fact, the focus should be on forming meaningful and sincere relationships rather than sticking to a rigid formula.
Kaeberlein admits he’s had his struggles too. “If you were to ask me about the hardest thing to tackle in my lifestyle, it’d definitely be improving my relationships.” He has, however, invested a lot of energy in cultivating them and feels grateful for the deeper bonds he shares today compared to three years prior.
Here are some practical tips from Kaeberlein for nurturing your connections:
Make Quality Time a Priority
Kaeberlein stresses, “It sounds simple, but actually committing to quality time with others is tougher than it seems.” Many people find this challenge intensifies after retirement when they lose contact with friends and family.
He emphasizes the importance of maintaining existing connections and developing new ones: “Putting in that focused effort to nurture your relationships is vital.”
Embrace Micro-Interactions
Even the smallest chats—like a brief exchange with your barista or a grocery store cashier—might not seem important, but they matter. Kaeberlein explains, “There’s evidence that these tiny interactions can have pretty positive effects. They offer those little dopamine boosts and help reduce stress.”
He adds, “If you’re living in a big city, it’s possible to go through life avoiding interactions completely, but that’s not advisable at all! Make a conscious effort to interact, even if it’s just those small, quick interactions, because they can benefit your health.”
Diversify Your Relationships Beyond Your Spouse
While meaningful romantic partnerships are significant to many, Kaeberlein advocates for diversifying your social circle. Men, in particular, often tend to zone in on their partnership to the exclusion of friendships.
Consider how you might broaden your network—think about reaching out to friends, colleagues, or different relatives.
Adopt a Pet
While a pet won’t automatically assure you’ll reach a hundred, Kaeberlein asserts that animals can have a profoundly positive influence on your health.
“I don’t want to claim that pets replace human interactions,” he notes, “but interesting research shows that having a companion animal can positively affect your health—both for you and the pet.”
“Spending time petting a dog or cat can lower stress levels and blood pressure,” he adds, pointing out that our interactions can extend beyond just us humans.
So, next time you see an adorable dog, feel free to give it a little love!
