By michael - April, 28th 2014

Those beneficial effects of friendship on prolonging life remained significant throughout the decade, even when people were confronted by profound changes, such as the death of a spouse or family member, or when their friends moved away.

Need a reason to call up a friend? Keeping a close network of friends may help you live longer, according to a University of Adelaide study.

The researchers used data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ALSA) and surveyed nearly 1,500 people, aged 70 and over, about their personal relationships with children, friends and relatives. The researchers monitored the participants for over a 10 year period, and considered other factors such as lifestyle and socio-economic status that might influence survival rates.

I have read numerous studies that indicate that it is our family that seems to exert the most influence on our quality of life. But the results of this study found that it was surprisingly friends, even more than family, who are more likely to increase longevity. The researchers found that even after major events such as the death of a partner or close relative, this benefit remained.

Here are some reasons that …

 

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