In the absence of strong scientific data, I surmise that staying close to family members and friends, belonging to religious or spiritual organizations, and volunteering to help others are all important to a long and healthy life. However, I have also seen many lonely people live long and healthy lives, probably because they focus on simple pleasures and obtain strength from their own instincts and ability to find happiness in little things—eating certain foods, walking in the park, talking to the cashier at the local grocery store.
