Monday, August 13, 2012


Social Relationships and Health

An article which was recently published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior (http://hsb.sagepub.com/content/51/1_suppl/S54.full) entitled, “Social Relationships and Health: A Flashpoint for Health Policy, points clearly to the importance of social relationships for good health.

It has been shown that social relationships – marriage, religious meetings, volunteer agencies, etc. – both quantity and quality – “affect mental health, health behavior, physical health, and mortality risk.” It goes on to say that “Adults who are more socially connected are healthier and live longer than their more isolated peers.” 

The results of the studies that have been done over the last few decades indicate clearly the benefits for those who have social connections.  For Christians who attend a fellowship regularly and develop many good and wholesome relationships, this should be good news!  You might even find that your health will improve and you will live longer!

- Wayne Young