About the author: Karol Domagalski is a tech and health entrepreneur and founder of New Zapiens , the largest European community and rating platform for longevity, wellness and preventive health.
The question of how social networks influence human life expectancy is a complex field of research that combines various disciplines such as sociology, epidemiology, and health sciences.
New studies have shown that the type, quality, and extent of personal social relationships have a direct impact on health and life expectancy.
It's as if we're wired for connection – our bodies and minds demonstrably benefit from strong social networks, while loneliness is detrimental to our health. In terms of life expectancy, relationships with our fellow human beings act like an external boost.
Reduced risk of premature death
For example, it is relatively clearly demonstrated that the structure, diversity, and stability of social contacts influence the risk of premature death, with good social relationships protecting health and reducing the risk of premature death ( Olsen et al., 1991 ; Gan et al, 2025 ; Bhatia et al., 2023 ).
Fragmented social networks and poor social relationships, on the other hand, increase the risk of premature death. Both the quantity and quality of interpersonal relationships therefore have a significant impact on life expectancy ( Hobbs et al., 2016 ).
Biological explanations
The possible explanations for the connection between longevity and our social networks are quite multifaceted. First, we can consider the biological basis. For example, when in contact with people close to us, the body releases feel-good hormones such as oxytocin and other neuroendocrine substances, which can reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. Chronic stress is known to have devastating effects on health ( Mariotti, 2015 ).
Furthermore, the microorganisms in our gut could play a role in the beneficial effects of social networks. When we are more socially connected, the diversity of our gut microbiome increases, which is associated with better immune function and reduced inflammation.
You can learn more about longevity in connection with testosterone in our article " Testosterone and Longevity: How Hormone Levels Affect Our Quality of Life ".
Psychological well-being benefits
Furthermore, our psychological well-being benefits from strong social networks, while loneliness can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression, with corresponding disadvantages for physical health and life expectancy ( Lapane et al., 2022 ). A stable social environment offers emotional support and helps develop coping strategies for life crises, preventing depression and anxiety disorders.
And our friends and partners can also encourage and support us to live healthier lives - whether by attending the next yoga class with us or by pointing out the need for a doctor's appointment if we have any complaints.
Improving social contacts for health
Health and life expectancy benefit from strong social networks in various ways. Improved social relationships and social integration can significantly increase both quality of life and life expectancy ( Viola et al., 2024 ). Not only the presence of social contacts, but also their quality (reliability and emotional depth) are crucial for these positive effects.
Which specific characteristics of social networks have the strongest influence on life expectancy and how interventions can be specifically designed to strengthen social networks in terms of health remain the most exciting research questions in this field ( Harvard University, 2023 ).
However, there are already many reasons to cultivate good relationships with our fellow human beings, also in the interest of one's own life expectancy ( Cambieri, 2024 ).
Here are some tips on how not only social contacts can be improved, but also further health benefits can be achieved:
1. Shared meals and cooking groups
Eating together boosts mood, fosters conversation and a sense of belonging, and can significantly improve nutritional quality. Studies show that sharing meals with friends or family strengthens psychological well-being and leads to more conscious food choices. Regular shared meals, especially among children and adolescents, are also demonstrably associated with a lower risk of unhealthy eating habits.
Cooking and eating together has a positive impact on nutritional quality and social connections. Regular cooking evenings with friends and acquaintances or attending cooking classes are good options for simultaneously improving nutrition and social interaction, which ultimately also benefits life expectancy.
2. Do sports together
Physical activity improves health in many ways, and participating in sports together also fosters social connections. Whether it's playing tennis, football, yoga, or water aerobics together – every form of group physical activity can contribute to this. Local clubs and various online platforms offer excellent opportunities to connect with others.
3. Social Media and Online Communities
Digital networking can also help improve social contacts ( Hobbs et al., 2016 ), ideally combining this with health topics. Whether through dedicated groups on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms, or online portals such as New Zapiens , the opportunities to exchange ideas with like-minded individuals on health topics are virtually limitless today.
Our conclusion, your knowledge
Social connections and our health are inextricably linked, and life expectancy can significantly benefit from strong social networks. The opportunities for online networking are virtually limitless. However, it's important to remember that not only the quantity of social contacts, but above all their quality, is crucial.
