Some researchers who study aging believe relationships matter more than genetics when it comes to living longer, healthier lives.

A recent study found evidence demonstrating that a lack of social connection is associated with poorer physical and mental health. Researchers recommend that the medical community address the importance of social connections in developing public health policies for aging populations.

The study, published in the “Annual Review of Public Health,” argues that good relationships and a feeling of connectedness can help people to live longer, healthier and happier.

“Over the past few decades, growing evidence shows people who are more socially connected live longer and people who are more isolated or lonely are at increased risk for early mortality,” study author Julianne Holt-Lunstad told the Deseret News. “We have evidence that social connectedness is linked to immune functioning, to susceptibility to viruses, as well as health-related kinds of behaviors.”

Holt-Lunstad’s research was a meta-analysis of 148 studies of the impact of social connectedness on aging. She found that relationships impact how well and how long people live.

Her findings mirror those of a landmark Harvard study that found that relationships and engagement in those relationships influence health.

Methuselah Foundation recognizes the importance of fighting the sense of isolation, hopelessness, and uselessness that often accompanies aging. That’s why one of the seven strategies that guide Foundation investments, planning, and policies focuses specifically on this problem.

“Lust for Life” addresses the need to restore the sensory organs, sight, taste, smell, touch, and hearing, while eliminating the aches and pains associated with advancing age. Among the aged, depression, loss of purpose and social isolation are serious problems. Losing athletic competence often results in fear of injury, limited independence, and loneliness. Social isolation and physical disability lead to feelings of uselessness and hopelessness. Loss of understanding of the senses endangers the elderly and limits their ability to savor the little things in life that add to happiness.

We came up with our seven strategies because no single solution will lengthen the healthy human lifespan. It will take a combination of things to help us reach our goal of making 90 the new 50 by 2030.

Join us to bring this dream to life. Donate to Methuselah Foundation.

NEWS