Our friends help us live longer!

Connection—it’s one of the keys to happiness, health and longevity. Yet every survey seems to say we have fewer friends than people did in the past. The latest one I read said that 47% of men do not talk openly to their friends about their problems (63% of women do) and 27% say they don’t have close friends or any friends at all. And it seems to get worse as men age—22% of men over 55 say they never see their friends for catch-up.  Other studies talk about loneliness becoming epidemic for both men and women regardless of age.

Yet friends are crucial to our well-being.  A Harvard study—that has monitored people for 75 years (mostly men until recent years when they added women)—has shown that the biggest indicator of long-term health and well-being is the strength of your relationships with family, friends and spouses. Having someone to rely on helps your nervous system relax, your brain stay healthy for longer and reduces physical and emotional pain.

So if you have let your connections lapse—summer is a great time to reconnect. Go for a drink, have a meal, make a call, visit, join a club, volunteer, play a sport and most importantly talk! 

You will live longer, be healthier and happier