The Power of Family, Friends, and Community: Lessons from Hispanic Culture for Better Health

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the history, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. One of the cultural treasures celebrated is familism—the belief that family, friends, and community are at the heart of life and well-being.

This focus on strong, supportive relationships isn’t just tradition—it’s a wellness practice backed by science. Research shows that meaningful connections can boost physical health, improve emotional well-being, and enhance overall quality of life—lessons we can all embrace.

Family as a Source of Strength

In Hispanic culture, family often extends beyond the immediate household to include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and even close family friends. This broader circle creates a natural support system.

Research shows that strong family connections provide emotional support, reduce stress, and improve mental health. Yes, I know—you might be side-eyeing me through your screen—but science backs me up! So while Tía Annette or Uncle Frank might cause an eye roll or two (or twenty), spending time with family genuinely helps lower stress.

People with strong family and social ties are 50% more likely to survive serious illnesses compared to those who are socially isolated. In close extended families, where caregiving and collective decision-making are common, this support fosters resilience and promotes healthier recovery during medical challenges.

The Role of Friends and Community

Friendships and community ties are also central in Hispanic and Latino cultures, where gatherings, celebrations, and neighborhood connections bring people together.

Community engagement has powerful effects on health. Research shows that people with strong community ties experience lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, and premature death. A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that those with a high sense of belonging live an average of 7.5 years longer than those who feel socially disconnected.

Science Confirms the Benefits

Studies like the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, show that strong relationships are the single biggest predictor of health and longevity. People with close social ties live longer, experience fewer health problems, and enjoy greater emotional well-being.

Similarly, the U.S. Surgeon General has identified social connection as a public health priority, noting that friendships and community bonds can be as vital to health as exercise and nutrition.

How to Start Making Connections or Reconnect

Building or strengthening social bonds doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical steps:

• Reach out to family members. Schedule a phone call, video chat, or shared meal with relatives you haven’t connected with recently.

• Reconnect with old friends. A simple message or coffee meetup can reignite valuable relationships.

• Join community groups or cultural events. Local clubs, volunteer opportunities, or cultural celebrations provide natural ways to meet people and feel a sense of belonging. Join that Latin dance class!

• Celebrate traditions together. Sharing meals, holiday rituals, or cultural practices strengthens relationships and creates lasting memories.

• Be present in small daily interactions. Checking in with neighbors, co-workers, or classmates can foster meaningful micro-connections that add up.

A Lesson for Everyone

The science is clear: strong social bonds improve health outcomes and extend life. Relationships aren’t just heartwarming—they’re heart-healthy. Hispanic culture’s emphasis on family, friends, and community reminds us that wellness is not just about diet and exercise—it’s also about connection. By nurturing relationships, making them a priority, and building supportive networks, we can enhance our health, our children’s well-being, and the overall quality of life in our communities.