Time with people close to you has some evidence it may help. Studies link strong relationships with health and a longer life, and support aimed at loneliness can ease it. But a link is not proof.
What it is
Time with family, friends and community: people you feel close to. It does not have to be family, and it counts even if you have no family nearby.
What the research says
- Health and a longer life: Across 148 studies of 308,849 people, those with stronger relationships were about 50% more likely to survive over the study periods. A 2023 review of 2.2 million people found the same pattern. WHO links loneliness with stroke, heart disease, memory decline and depression. These studies show a strong link, not proof that one causes the other. Some evidence it may help · Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010 · Wang et al., 2023 · WHO, 2025
- Feeling less lonely: In 28 randomised trials (3,039 people), support aimed at loneliness, especially psychological approaches, reduced it to a moderate degree. Results varied a lot, and in older adults most effects were small. Some evidence it may help · Hickin et al., 2021 · Hoang et al., 2022 · NHS, 2026
Is it safe?
There are no physical risks. If you feel lonely or low for a long time, talk to your GP or someone you trust. NHS, 2026
Your own practice complements medical care and never replaces it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.
Sessions that fit alongside
Sissoo practitioners offer sessions some people combine with this practice: Speaking & Listening Therapies
Checked 12 November 2026. Next check by May 2027. How we rate the evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Is spending time with friends and family good for your health?
There is some evidence it may help. Large studies link stronger relationships with health and a longer life, and WHO links loneliness with stroke, heart disease, memory decline and depression. These are links, not proof that one causes the other.
Does having close relationships make you live longer?
No study has proved this. Across 148 studies of 308,849 people, those with stronger relationships were about 50% more likely to survive over the study periods, but this shows a link, not a cause.
Can spending time with people help with loneliness?
There is some evidence it may help. In 28 randomised trials, support aimed at loneliness reduced it to a moderate degree, but results varied a lot and in older adults most effects were small. If you feel lonely or low for a long time, talk to your GP or someone you trust.
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