God said from the beginning: "It is not good for man to be alone." Data collected from 148 studies, involving more than 300,000 people, conducted over three decades, shows just how true this verdict from God is. People who have no social life are 50 percent more likely to die early than those who are well connected. Those who socialize regularly with family and friends live an average of 3.7 years longer than those who lead isolated lives. Burt Uchino, the professor who led the research at the Universities of Utah and North Carolina, said friends and supportive people encourage us to "have better health practices, see a doctor, exercise more. They may also help you directly by making you feel you have something to live for." Professor Uchino went on to say that the emotional support people receive from those close to them can help put their problems into perspective. "By having a secure relationship and feeling loved," says Uchino, "people live much more secure, calm lives."