Social connection

Relationships and purpose

1 brief · 3 sources read and checked · 1 the evidence firmly supports

What does the evidence say about loneliness and lifespan?This is among the strongest findings in the whole of lifestyle research. Across 148 studies and more than 300,000 people, those with stronger social relationships were about 50 per cent more likely to be alive at follow-up, an influence the authors place alongside smoking and ahead of inactivity and obesity. The research is observational, so it establishes association rather than cause.

Strength of evidence

evidence-based

3 sources checkedReviewed 17 August 2026

The other five capabilities

Cognitive clarityFocus, attention, and memory Emotional regulationStress and calm Psychological flexibilityLearning and adapting Intentional behaviorHabits and follow-through Restoration capacitySleep, rest, and recovery

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