Social network integration, telomere length, and mortality in a Costa Rican cohort (CRELES)

Researchers studied older adults in Costa Rica who took part in a long-term health study. They measured social network integration, meaning how connected people were to family, friends, and community groups. They also measured telomeres, protective ends of chromosomes that often become shorter with age, in blood samples. People with stronger social connections had a lower risk of dying during follow-up, but social connections were not clearly linked to longer telomeres. The study could show a connection, but not prove that social contact caused longer life.

What this means for you: Staying connected is worthwhile for emotional and practical reasons, but this study does not support buying a product to lengthen telomeres or expecting social activity alone to extend life. The findings come from one observational group of older Costa Rican adults, so they may not apply equally to everyone.