Kindness, and LongevityKindness, and Longevity
All In The Mind
We could never have guessed the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic would have on us. We’re all affected in different ways but the need to stay physically distant from one another has highlighted the importance of human connection, empathy, and kindness. We hear about the research showing that strong social networks will keep us living longer than any fitness tracker or superfood. And one man’s determination to promote kindness throughout the world after a family tragedy.
29:06•26 Jul 2020
Kindness, Connection and the Hidden Keys to Living Longer
Episode Overview
- Strong social relationships and kindness may influence longevity as much as diet and exercise.
- Phone calls and voice contact can boost bonding hormones more than texting or social media messaging.
- Having a clear purpose in life, or ikigai, is recognised in Japan as a major health factor.
- Volunteering is linked to lower inflammation, less time in hospital and reduced risk of premature death.
- Kindness can be trained like a muscle, and underpins respect, empathy and reduced violence and bullying.
“"If you don't have kindness as the underlying value, you can't ever teach respect and empathy."”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? This conversation from All In The Mind zooms in on something surprisingly powerful for health and wellbeing: kindness and human connection. Science journalist Marta Zaraska shares research showing that "diet and exercise are not as important" as what she calls the soft drivers of longevity – empathy, kindness and relationships.
You’ll hear how strong social networks can influence everything from inflammation and gut health to how well you fight off viruses, and why hearing someone’s voice on the phone gives a much bigger oxytocin boost than firing off a quick text. Marta talks about meeting Japanese centenarians and the idea of ikigai – a sense of purpose that the Japanese health ministry treats as seriously as exercise and not smoking.
She also explains how volunteering can reduce hospital time and lower inflammatory markers, saying its benefits can be "about as strong as eating six or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day". The episode then shifts into a deeply emotional story. Ralph Kelly, CEO of Stay Kind, describes losing his sons Thomas and Stuart, and how those tragedies led him to champion everyday kindness.
For him, kindness isn’t a slogan; it’s a daily practice: "Staying kind means that you're going to do it every single day." He argues that kindness underpins respect and empathy, and that simple acts – saying hello, opening a door, giving up a seat – can genuinely change lives. Throughout, host Lynne Malcolm keeps the tone thoughtful but accessible, making complex science and intense personal loss feel relatable.
The episode speaks to anyone interested in mental health, recovery and living longer, suggesting that building connection, showing kindness and volunteering could be just as important as green smoothies and gym memberships. Could focusing on kindness be the missing piece in your own health or recovery plan?
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