Study: How Family, Not Friends, Lengthen A Person's Lifespan

All of us are meant to be in the company of other people. The relationships we hold dear affect the quality of the lives we live.

Research proves the saying, "No man is an island" to be true because it is good for humans to interact with other humans. According to The Washington Post, researchers discover that those with social connections, memberships to organizations and a complete family are healthier than those who opt to detach from society and are divorced.

A recent study presented at the American Sociological Association (ASA) meeting found out that being close with family helps a person live longer. This is contrary to the popular belief that friends lengthen a person's lifespan more than the family.

New York Magazine reports that 3,000 participants from ages 57 to 85 were asked to list down a maximum of five "closest confidants" aside from their spouses and to describe the relationship they have with each one. In general, the participants were able to list three close family members or friends. Researchers analyzed the lists and explanation given, and were able to deduce that those with more listed family members have longer lives while those with close friends made little difference.

The degree of closeness also affected the results. Those who were "extremely close" to their families had only a six percent risk of death compared to those who did not feel close to their families which is at a fourteen percent risk (via Washington Post).

This surprised the researchers who thought friends would be more impactful in someone's life, considering that friends can be chosen and family is given. But this also shows that families share a bond since birth, they are more comfortable with each other and they have the authority to decide on a member's health matters. The family members are also stressed with each other but they can still offer help and support like nothing happened.

As per Harvard Health, connecting with other people helps a person be relieved from harmful levels of stress that can affect coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation and the immune system. Stress-reducing hormones are also said to be released more.

Pew Social Trends found that more people are living longer in the United States. Thirteen percent or 39 million Americans in the U.S. are from 65 years old and older. By 2050, Pew Research predicts that one in five Americans will go past 65 years old.

The best upside for elders is that they get to spend more time with their families. Around 28 percent say that they love bonding with their families and an additional 25 percent plays with the grandchildren.

On the contrary, watch the video below and found out why friends are believed to elongate someone's life than family members. Sound off your thoughts in the Comments section and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.