Live longer with friends

A new study says that friends are more vital to your health than dieting, exercise, et all.

From New York Times :

In the quest for better health, many people turn to doctors, self-help books or herbal supplements. But they overlook a powerful weapon that could help them fight illness and depression, speed recovery, slow aging and prolong life: their friends.

Researchers are only now starting to pay attention to the importance of friendship and social networks in overall health. A 10-year Australian study found that older people with a large circle of friends were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends...And last year, Harvard researchers reported that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age...

“Friendship is an undervalued resource. The consistent message of these studies is that friends make your life better.”