Studies show: family and friends promote health

Life is healthier in company. Not only the psyche, but also the body benefits from a lively social life. This has now been proven by the evaluation of four long-term studies.

The quantity and quality of community life are crucial

At the end of these studies, the data that provide information about the health of the participants were evaluated. These were collected in different phases of life, from adolescents to the elderly. The indicators were four health markers: blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and C-reactive protein (CRP), which determines inflammation levels. They were then linked to different forms and intensities of community life: family, friends, voluntary work and religious activities. The social stress in these community gatherings was also taken into account. In conclusion, it can be said that in all age groups, people with a strong community-oriented lifestyle had better values ​​for the four health markers. The older group showed fewer Hypertension and a lower body fat percentage. The BMI, CRP and waist circumference of the study participants in the middle age group were in the healthy range. It is also interesting that when observing the group from around 64 years of age, a higher life expectancy was also evident. There were noticeably more participants in the next stage, which took place around seven and a half years later, from the group with a strong community bond. While many from the group with few community contacts did not experience this stage. This result was found regardless of the health factors. This means that community has at least as positive an effect on physical health as a healthy lifestyle.

What are the positive forces of community?

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, it is certainly the social integration that enables quick action in the event of a Disease and in the subsequent care. On the other hand, the individual's awareness of looking after themselves is more pronounced when they feel responsible for others. In addition, a healthy life in a community is simply more fun. For example, going for walks together or eating healthy meals are more common in this group than among people who live with few or no social contacts. The quality of the community is important, however. A characteristic of this is give and take on both sides. Because a good friendship, be it in a non-family community such as a club, a community or even among friends or within the family, must be built up and maintained. This includes tolerance and helpfulness on both sides, as well as respect for boundaries and an interest in the well-being of the other person. This can be exhausting and sometimes has to be learned. Ultimately, however, the investment is the best guarantee for a happy and healthier life into old age.