Studies have proven that having friends can meaningfully extend your lifespan and contribute to your long term physical health

Well-supported — high-quality sources agree

What we can confirm

There is strong, long-standing evidence from large epidemiological studies and psychological research that high-quality social relationships—including friendships—are associated with lower all‑cause mortality and better long‑term physical health outcomes (e.g., cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive health). The wording "studies have proven" overstates the causal certainty, but the underlying claim that having friends can meaningfully extend lifespan and support long‑term physical health is well supported as an association, with plausible causal pathways.

Sources

Checked July 1, 2026