Why Eating With Others May Be Good for Your Health

Breaking Bread: The secret to a great meal isn’t the food, the drinks, or the ambience — it’s the company. Communal dining is good for both our nutritional and emotional health and may actually help us live longer, according to a new meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Nutrition. 

The Study: Researchers wanted to determine the differences in older adults who regularly dine with other people and those who usually dine alone. They reviewed data from 21 studies from multiple countries and cultures, including the U.S., Japan, Sweden, and Brazil. Older adults who often ate meals alone were 58% more likely to have depression than those who typically ate with other people. The evening meal was particularly significant: Eating dinner alone was associated with more than double the risk of depression.

The Takeaway: The way people ate alone versus communally was different, too. Appetites often decrease with age, but communal diners consumed more calories, more fat, and more protein than solo diners — crucial for maintaining strength and mobility. Meals were also more enjoyable and fostered a deeper sense of emotional satisfaction, connection, and community, which are associated with longevity and healthy aging. 

Keep In Mind: The review found only associations, not causation.