Over the past several years, several studies have suggested that having a significant number of good friends can be a key factor in promoting health and longevity.
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. A large 2007 study showed an increase of nearly 60 percent in the risk for obesity among people whose friends gained weight. And last year, Harvard researchers reported that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age.
No word on whether Facebook friends and Twitter followers count.
