We all want to stay healthy as we get older. If you want to avoid becoming bedridden, live a life that doesn't require caregivers, and so on, there are several things to watch out for. New research has shown that the most effective way to stay healthy for longer is to build human connections. This has a bigger impact than exercise, losing weight, or even giving up smoking. Research done in the US found that people with fewer relationships are more prone to heart disease, dementia, and muscle loss. Lack of relationships is the single largest factor in physical deterioration, and the end result is a 50% higher risk of early death. The UK is addressing this issue with a nationwide commission led by a "Minister for Loneliness." Discover the latest research on human relationships, and new ideas for ensuring lifelong good health.