Having strong social connections and friendships can significantly improve health and longevity. The document discusses how loneliness, stress, and unhealthy behaviors are more common among people without friends and can increase risks of death and heart problems. In contrast, having good friends provides benefits like happiness, social support, entertainment, and less depression that can help reduce health issues. Studies found people with more friends over long periods cut their risk of death by over 60%. Experts say friendship may be even more important than family for a long and healthy life.