Research is providing us with more and more proof that having friends is beneficial, if not essential, to good health.  Many people are aware of the detrimental effects that social isolation and loneliness can have on physical and mental wellbeing, but fewer appreciate the advantages of keeping our important relationships close and personal.  University of Oxford data shows that best friends’ physiology comes into synchrony – the rhythm of their hearts, body temperatures and hormonal responses match. Human touch also slows the heartbeat, lowers blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol. So our interaction with good friends actually keeps us alive and helps us live longer!

Robert Waldinger M.D., Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, directs one of the longest-running studies of adult life and says “deep, meaningful relationships are linked with emotional well-being and physical health.” His new book The Good Life which comes out next year, provides “lessons from the world’s longest scientific study of happiness” and he maintains that friendship is key.  But friendships are both a science and an art.  Joining him in the discussion about how to cultivate, nurture and keep friendships will be Jan Yager, Ph.D sociologist and author of several books on the topic including Friendgevity making and keeping friends who enhance and extend your life”.  

Recorded April 19, 2022.