Carnegie Mellon researchers discover social integration improves lung function in elderly

(Carnegie Mellon University) New research led by Carnegie Mellon University shows for the first time that social integration impacts pulmonary function in the elderly. Published in the American Psychological Association's Health Psychology journal, this study also rebuffs the popular notion that marriage is the only social role required for health benefits. In fact, different social relationships can be substituted for each other and every added social role improves health.