Why visits from friends and relatives can protect you from premature death

Why visits from friends and relatives can protect you from premature death (Photo: iStock)

Every so often, a new scientific study makes headlines just because of its simplicity. And it so happens that this month, a prominent medical journal has just published research findings indicating higher risks of dying for people rarely visited by family or friends. Yes, you read it right, a simple visit to or from a family member or friend is all it may take to reduce the risk of dying. And it isn't many visits, visiting just once a month appeared to be enough.

But the message coming from these research findings isn't actually new. It has long been established that those who live alone, and those experiencing loneliness in other ways, have higher risks of dying prematurely.