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Gloria Steinem's secret to longevity wasn't diet or exercise — it was friendship. Research backs her up: strong social connections reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and are the single greatest predictor of longevity, according to the Harvard Study of Adult Development. People with robust social ties have a 50% greater likelihood of survival than those who are more isolated.
When lifestyle medicine physician Dr. Resa Lewiss sat down with Gloria Steinem in 2020, she expected to hear about healthy eating habits and daily walks. Instead, Steinem — who lived to 92 — credited her health to one thing: her friends. "I have friends," she said simply, describing her chosen family as people who share her humor and hopes. It turns out, the science strongly agrees with her.
Research consistently shows that social connectedness isn't just good for the soul — it's good for the body. A 2016 systematic review found that poor social relationships were linked to a 29% increased risk of coronary heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke. Meanwhile, a 2023 study found that a strong sense of community was associated with lower rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
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Why it matters: Social connection is one of six pillars of lifestyle medicine, yet it's often the most overlooked. Steinem's story is a compelling reminder for clinicians and patients alike that community — not just diet and exercise — is a cornerstone of long-term health.
