The Loneliness Epidemic: Why Community Is Key To Better Health and Longevity
Mark Hyman
Jul 15, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Eliminate zombie cells to age well
After age 30, the body accumulates senescent 'zombie' cells that accelerate aging, but these can be targeted and eliminated with compounds called senolytics found in supplements like Qualia Senolytic.
Foster connection through genuine curiosity
A simple yet powerful way to build connection is to be genuinely curious about another person, as making them feel seen, known, and heard is a fundamental human desire.
Cuddle to transform your epigenome and calm your nervous system
Research indicates that physical affection and connection, such as cuddling, can directly change your epigenome and help calm your nervous system.
Engage in daily social fitness to strengthen relationships
Treat your relationships with 'social fitness,' a practice analogous to physical fitness that requires consistent, active effort rather than assuming friendships will maintain themselves.
Recognize loneliness as a root cause of addiction
Loneliness is often invisible because it can manifest as depression, anxiety, or addiction, with the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous believing it was a root cause of alcoholism.
Combat chronic loneliness to enhance lifespan
Chronic loneliness has a mortality impact similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day and is considered a greater risk factor for a shortened lifespan than obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.
Prioritize relationships for a long, happy life
An 84-year Harvard study concluded that good relationships, not career achievement, diet, or exercise, were the single most important determinant of a long, happy, and healthy life.
Nurture relationships to influence gene expression positively
The concept of 'sociogenomics' suggests that social relationships directly influence gene expression, with loving conversations turning on anti-inflammatory genes and conflictual ones increasing stress hormones.
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