The secret to living well even after 90 — human connections

Illustrative image: Stellalevi / Getty Images

American doctor, longevity researcher, and University of Pennsylvania professor Ezekiel J. Emanuel writes: "I've dedicated my entire career to studying what helps people live longer and healthier. My mom and dad are living proof that the key to this is maintaining social connections."

The author analyzed international statistical data, hundreds of clinical studies, as well as popular trends – from diets and supplements to technological devices that promise to extend life. However, according to his conclusions, the main factor for longevity, often overlooked, is live human interaction.

"My father didn't meditate, didn't count steps, didn't specifically exercise, and never once in his life uttered the word 'mindfulness.' Nevertheless, he lived to 92 and died at home after a very brief battle with brain cancer. In the ten days between his diagnosis and his death, he was visited by his children and 11 grandchildren."

And my mother, even now at 92, is doing great. She still has her sense of humor and political activism, but, as she says, no diseases that will kill her.

Emanuel's father, a pediatrician from Chicago, was an extremely open and communicative person. He spoke five languages, easily found common ground with people from various cultures and social groups, often helped for free, and was not shy about approaching strangers in everyday situations.

"I once watched him diagnose a fellow bus passenger with a goiter during a bus trip and advise her on which doctor to see. Another time, a simple conversation with another parent in the park ended with our entire family being invited to their home for dinner."

The author's mother also led a rich social life. In the 1960s, she participated in civil rights and anti-war movements, and their home often became a meeting place for activists. Later, she trained as a therapist and began to practice. Even in old age, she continues to maintain a wide circle of contacts and regularly meets with friends.

"My mom often took in children and relatives when things were difficult at their homes: one cousin lived with us for two years while recovering from hepatitis. She knew how to create an atmosphere where our teenage friends felt understood and accepted — with warmth and empathy."

Over the years and with professional experience, Emanuel understood that his parents intuitively used one of the most effective mechanisms for maintaining health — social connections.

He writes: "It took me many years to understand: well-being is embedded in the community in which we live. Time spent together benefits everyone involved."

Modern science confirms this. Studies show that both long-term and short-term social contacts reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, decrease inflammatory processes, strengthen immunity, and reduce the risk of depression and premature death. Social isolation, conversely, harms health and its consequences are comparable to obesity.

An analysis conducted as part of the Health and Retirement Study, involving over 20,000 Americans over 50, showed that over eight years, people with the most close friends (an average of 7.8) had a 17% lower risk of depression and a 24% lower risk of death compared to those with fewer close friends (an average of 1.6).

A Harvard University study that observed people over 80 found that "those who were happiest, remained healthy with age, and lived the longest – these were the people who had the warmest connections with others."

"If there is any longevity hack, this is it. Forget about ice plunges, red light therapy, and trendy supplements. Call a friend. Talk to a neighbor. Ask your Uber driver or the cashier at the store how their day went or how they spent the holidays. When I now think about my father and mother, I realize: health is not something achieved in isolation. It is something we all create together," the author concludes.

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