We spend less time with real people - and it´s making us sick

A study from Roy Morgan Australia show that we are spending more time on the computer, and less time entertaining family and friends. If this development continues, it can be a health problem for us all, as real social relationships are a basic need and a source of happiness.

In a review of 148 studies on the topic, researchers found that people with adequate social relationships were 50% more likely to be alive after a follow up period of 8 years than socially isolated people.

Being socially disconnected – as in having few good friends or strong family relationships – was found to be equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day or to heavy drinking. It was also twice as bad as being obese.

It is also important to have different types of friends. People with diverse social networks get fewer colds than those with small social circles. A study in 2004 found that people reporting only one-to-three types of relationships had more than four times the risk of frequent colds than people with six or more types of relationships.

Lonely New Yorkers are using rent-a-friend escort agencies like Rentafriend.com to get buddies. Others check the online dating sites. Still online, but at least with the aim to meet irl.

Go and meet a buddy today! Hug someone. Doctor´s order...