Nostalgia Enhances Social Networks

Nostalgia Enhances Social Networks

Nostalgia enhances social networks. Why is that important? Having strong social networks is a key contributor to good health and longevity. We discussed the importance of relationships and social networks in The Blue Zones: Create One for Yourself and SuperCentenarians: Living 110 Plus Years.

This study found that nostalgia enhances social networks. Before we go much further let’s define “nostalgia”.  According to the study, “nostalgia” is a highly social emotion that reminds us of bittersweet autobiographical memories. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “nostalgia” as a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for a return to or of some past period or irrecoverable condition.

How Nostalgia Enhances Social Networks

In short, the study found this. Trait-like nostalgia was associated with increased motivation to maintain social networks, which in turn predicted the number of close social ties.  Thus, those who value nostalgia and experience are more apt to strengthen social connections. Some people gather friends as they go through life, others dismiss old connections as they progress through the various stages of life and only stay connected to those in the present. The latter may want to revisit that habit.

What is the opposite of strong social connections? Loneliness. Those who discard old friends and acquaintances may find themselves lonely in latter years as family and friends they stay connected to die off.

Loneliness has reached near epidemic levels since the COVID-19 pandemic due to isolation. This was particularly true in the elderly in nursing homes who were denied access to friends and relatives. There are several health risks associated with loneliness including the following:

• Loneliness increases premature death by 30%.
• Loneliness increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Loneliness increases the likelihood of experiencing depression, anxiety, and even dementia.

Health Benefits of Nostalgia

Nostalgia provides many psychological benefits such as:

• improved sense of well-being
• meaningfulness in life
• optimism
• promote a feeling of being loved and valued. ( The study shows that the propensity to feel and value nostalgia can foster motivations to strengthen long-term relationships).
• memories about friends and loved ones are linked to positive psychological outcomes.

Social contacts are not limited to family and friends.  Social contacts can include co-workers, neighbors, teammates, members of any social or professional clubs you belong to, etc.

Memories

In the end, all you have are your memories.  Create as many as possible. You are not taking any personal belongings with you when you die. You will take your memories and things that are memorable typically involve being connected to others.  Stay connected and you are more likely to enjoy life, stay healthier, and live longer.