A review of 212 studies involving 12,966 participants has confirmed that physical touch, including hugs, has significant benefits on both physical and mental health across all ages. Touch from humans and animals was found to be more beneficial than touch from objects like robots. Newborns benefit greatly from parental touch, but familiarity with the touch becomes less important as we age.
Researchers emphasize that touch can be optimized, but consent is crucial for its effectiveness. They advise not to hesitate to hug loved ones, ensuring consent for mutual benefit. Spending more time in physical contact can enhance overall health, according to the data. Touch is considered essential as it is the first sense to develop and impacts well-being significantly.
Touch from humans and animals was found to be more beneficial than touch from objects like robots. Researchers recommend optimizing touch by using shorter, more frequent touches and head and face touches were found to be the most effective. Spending more time in physical contact can enhance overall health, according to the data. Touch is considered essential as it is the first sense to develop and impacts well-being significantly.
