Could saying "hello" to strangers be good for your health?

BOSTON - Chatting it up with people we don't know can boost our mood and give us a greater sense of belonging, both of which can help prolong life.

WebMD examined the benefits of speaking to strangers, which one expert has coined "Vitamin S." We know that people who maintain close relationships with friends and family tend to be happier and live longer. But some research suggests having a diversity of connections including with acquaintances like your hairdresser or even total strangers, like a cashier or the person behind you at Dunkin, could improve your health and longevity.

One study out of Finland found that people who had plenty of close relationships but few weaker ties had a 28% higher risk of early death compared to those who also connected with strangers and acquaintances.

In:
• Health

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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