Photo: TheImageGroup / Flickr

If you think you’re too busy to get involved in your local allotment, the PTA, or a charity group, you may want to think again. It turns out being involved in a group of any kind can cut your chance of dying in the next 12 months by half. It turns out that social interaction is just as important for your health as a good diet, regular exercise, and not smoking. So get off Facebook right now, and see how you can get involved with people, in ‘real life’.

The ‘Roseto Effect’

The benefits of community ties have been dubbed ‘The Roseto Effect’. A landmark study noted that Italian immigrants who settled in the small American town of Roseto (Pennsylvania) were healthier, and lived longer, than their neighbours in Bangor. This was despite sharing health risks like fatty diets, a lack of exercise, and smoking.

It turns out that the tight-knit community the immigrants lived in was a recipe for good health. Inhabitants of Roseto belonged to the same social clubs, went to the same church, and even had the same weekly dinner plans. When later generations left Roseto and joined mainstream culture, these health benefits vanished.

Join in for your health

Photo: Stock.Xchng

It’s worthwhile taking part in some kind of social activity because if you join in, you’ll not only benefit your physical health but your emotional health, too. Scientists have found that helping others activates the brain’s pleasure centres, making you feel good. Social ties can lift your mood, and networking can help you practically: you may find a new job, or hear about a great new restaurant you wouldn’t know about otherwise.

How to get involved

A very uplifting way to get involved in a group is to volunteer. Choose a charity that interests you, and get in touch with them to find out how you can help. There are charities that focus on health, people, animal welfare, and the environment. You can find a full list of UK charities to choose from here.

There’s really no excuse not to join in, knowing how much good it will do for you and how much good it could do for others.

Tags: exercise, Smoking