The Role Of Relationships In Living A Long & Healthy Life With Prosperity

What is causing hypertension and diabetes to rise at this pace?

There are many reasons causing hypertension and diabetes. As we commonly assume, it is not just limited to unhealthy eating habits, a sedentary lifestyle, work-life imbalance, growing stress due to modern lifestyle, and inadequate sleep patterns. In this article, I want to draw my readers’ attention towards another extremely important and ignored cause of these diseases. It is the continuously weakening human relationships.

When we think about living a long and healthy life, our mind starts thinking about diet, exercise, financial stability, etc. While these are undoubtedly important, another overlooked and ignored but most critical factor is our relationship with our loved ones and the community. The quality of these relationships impacts our health, happiness, and even prosperity.

The Hidden Power of Relationships on Health and Happiness

Have you ever noticed that people with strong family ties seem to navigate life’s challenges with more resilience?
This isn’t a coincidence. Our emotional well-being and physical health are deeply connected with the quality of our relationships. Stress is a silent killer that contributes to many health issues, from heart disease to mental health disorders. However, strong, supportive relationships can act as a shield, reducing stress levels and promoting overall well-being. 

Dr. Zafar Mirza, Professor of health systems at Shifa Tameer-i-Millat University, former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Health in Pakistan, and a well-known writer on health issues, shared two interesting research stories in his article published in Daily Dawn on August 2023. The first story was one of the longest-running studies in history on the study of adult development conducted at Harvard, disclosed by Robert Waldinger, the fourth director of the study, during a TED talk in 2015. The second story was told by a Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker, Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Outlier” about American Roseto, a community that migrated from Italy.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development

The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies in history, began in 1938 with 724 participants.

Over eight decades, researchers followed these men through various life stages, measuring their physical health, mental well-being, career trajectories, and personal relationships. The goal was to uncover what factors contribute to a fulfilling and healthy life.
Data was collected through interviews, medical exams, and surveys over the years, creating a comprehensive picture of each participant’s life.

The study’s most significant finding is that the quality of relationships, more than wealth, fame, or social status, is the strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness. People with close, supportive relationships tend to live longer, experience fewer health problems, and report higher levels of satisfaction. It also found that social isolation and conflict are as detrimental to health as smoking or high blood pressure. The study’s insights into emotional well-being, mental health, and the impact of relationships on aging have shaped modern understanding of what it means to lead a fulfilling life, showing that strong connections with others are key to overall well-being.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KkKuTCFvzI)

The Story of American Roseto

In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell tells the captivating story of Roseto, a small town in Pennsylvania that puzzled researchers in the 1950s due to its unusually low rate of heart disease. Founded by Italian immigrants from Roseto Valfortore, Italy, the town had health outcomes that starkly contrasted with the rest of America, where heart disease was rampant. Dr. Stewart Wolf, a physician, noticed that virtually no one in Roseto under the age of 65 had heart problems, something highly unusual for the time. Eager to understand why, he assembled a research team to study nearly every aspect of the town’s lifestyle. Despite the residents’ unhealthy habits—heavy smoking, diets rich in fats, and obesity—their community still exhibited amazingly low rates of heart disease and other stress-related ailments. Diet and exercise, typically seen as the primary factors in heart health, weren’t the answer in Roseto. The mystery deepened as researchers dug deeper and ultimately ruled out all traditional health factors such as genetics or the town’s location. The secret to Roseto’s remarkable health lay not in their physical habits but in their social environment. The people of Roseto lived in a tight-knit, close community where strong social connections were central to daily life. Extended families lived together, neighbors frequently visited one another, and there was a shared sense of belonging that insulated the residents from the pressures of modern life. This social cohesion created an emotional and psychological buffer against stress, significantly contributing to their well-being.

Both stories conclude that strong ties and relationships with family and relatives are the most important factors for a long, healthy, and happy life. These stories emphasize that human connections, not just physical habits, play a vital role in mental and physical health, highlighting the significance of nurturing relationships to lead happier and healthier lives.

An Islamic Perspective

Islam emphasizes the significance of a strong family system as it forms the foundation of a healthy and harmonious society. Islamic teachings promote love, respect, and responsibility while emphasizing the strengthening of relationships and the prohibition of breaking family ties.

One of the key aspects of Islam’s family system is its strong emphasis on maintaining and strengthening family ties. Islam categorically forbids breaking relationships, especially with close family members. The Quran and Hadith repeatedly stress the importance of maintaining ties of kinship (صلہ رحمی).

Allah says in the Quran:

“And
fear Allah, through whom you ask one another, and the wombs [that bore you]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over you, an Observer.” (Surah An-Nisa 4:1)

Breaking family ties is considered a grave sin in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Whoever severs the ties of kinship will not enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim)

The family system in Islam serves as a source of protection and support, especially for vulnerable members, such as children, the elderly, and women. It ensures that no one is left behind or marginalized, and that emotional, financial, and physical needs are met. This sense of collective responsibility strengthens social bonds and prevents isolation.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) connects maintaining the ties of kinship to worldly blessings, such as an increase in sustenance and an extension of life. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The one
who desires that his provision be increased and his lifespan be extended, then he should uphold the ties of kinship.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

This Hadith highlights the
importance of maintaining family relationships (Silah Rahmi). Upholding kinship ties is not only a religious obligation but also brings tangible benefits in this life.

Conclusion:

Research strongly supports that relationships are a powerful factor in promoting health and longevity. The studies of both the Harvard Study of Adult Development and the unique case of Roseto highlight that robust social connections contribute to both mental and physical well-being, often acting as a protective buffer against stress and illness. To truly live a long, healthy, and prosperous life, we must look beyond diet and exercise alone and cultivate a deep, lasting bond with those around us. By doing so, we create not only a healthier future for ourselves but a legacy of well-being for generations to come.

Xponential Coaching offers comprehensive Relationship Coaching designed to help individuals build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Our gender-intelligence coaches guide clients in understanding their communication styles, identifying emotional patterns, and developing skills for effective conflict management. By focusing on empathy, trust, and mutual respect, we empower clients to enhance connections with their partners, family members, and others.