Want a healthy life? Fill it with friendship

We often talk about the effect of our diet and exercise habits on our wellbeing, but we should not underestimate the impact that strong social and family networks can have not just on our mental health, but our physical health.

Dr Alexander Jacobsen, cardiologist at Sydney's Macquarie Heart clinic, says, most cardiovascular health problems are exacerbated, if not caused, by poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise.

Want a healthy life? Fill it with friendship.Credit:Stocksy

Since these issues are most pronounced in people who don’t look after themselves, a trait that tends to be found in people with poor relationships and lack of social networking.

“Studies prove what everybody already knows,” Jacobsen says.

“If you have a broad social network your health maintenance is better. The reason for that is social relationships, [which encourage] you to look after yourself. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation; is it good health that’s supporting your relationships or the other way round?”

A 2008 study on the impact of close relationships on overall health – particularly in married couples – found high marital quality came with a number of benefits: greater life satisfaction, lower blood pressure, less stress and fewer incidences of depression than those who were single. However, individuals in unhappy marriages had higher blood pressure than their single counterparts.

In a 1992 study on the impact of social networks as predictors of ischaemic heart disease (IHD, or coronary heart disease), cancer, stroke and hypertension (high blood pressure), it was found that network scope – the range of a person’s social contacts – was a strong predictor of 15-year mortality hazard in 2,603 individuals.

Those with a broad social network had a lower mortality hazard and a lower risk of IHD, the most common form of heart disease, than those with a limited social network. While a limited social network wasn’t a reliable predictor of the other health conditions examined, the findings stressed the importance of support provided by family and friends during illness recovery.

Where to seek support

Dr Jacobsen admits seeking support can be very difficult, particularly in the current socioeconomic and political environment.

“The modern lifestyle does tend to isolate people as well," he adds. "This is an increasing problem that’s poorly recognised and supported.”

He recommends Beyond Blue is a good network for anyone facing anxiety or depression, with the caveat that "this is for psychological outlook and is not directed at health maintenance".

"In terms of social networks there’s not a lot people can do other than joining clubs and undertaking social activities – which can be difficult to do if you have got ill health," he says.

“The most important first point of contact for anyone seeking social support should be their GP."

For more information visit HealthShare, a joint venture with Fairfax to improve the health of Australians.

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