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Kids who are more socially connected grow up to be happier—connection even seems to have a stronger impact on happiness than academic achievement.

In one study, people who thought or wrote about connection were more likely to be kind and helpful by donating money to charity or planning to volunteer.

Adults with a stronger network of friends live longer, and seniors who are more socially active experience less cognitive decline and disability. Meanwhile, lonely people tend to have more stress and higher blood pressure.

Our ancestors needed to cooperate and work together to survive. The imprints of that history can be seen in our biology, from the flow of the hormone oxytocin to our keen sense of touch.

Social connections come in many different forms, from casual acquaintances to lifelong friends. Having a range of “strong” and “weak” ties makes us healthier and more likely to succeed in life.