On the eve of our next breakfast ...

Courtesy of the DMN

If you get around, you may stick around

06:51 AM CDT on Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Nurture your relationships. They just may keep you alive longer, according to John Robbins, author of Healthy at 100: The Scientifically Proven Secrets of the World's Healthiest and Longest-Lived People (Random House, $24.95).

The book runs light on practical health tips and heavy on anecdotal and scientific evidence to make Mr. Robbins' points. But there's no shortage on inspirational stories to help you consider shaping your lifestyle so you can enjoy it with vigor to the end.

Diet and exercise are still important, as Mr. Robbins explains through a meticulous analysis of four cultures with unusually high numbers of centenarians. He also argues, however, that human connection has an unmistakably positive impact on our quality of life as we age, in spite of the bad health habits many of us possess.

In one nine-year study Mr. Robbins discusses, researchers found that people with strong social ties to groups such as family, friends, church or volunteer organizations were less likely to die than people who lacked such a network, even when their lonely counterparts had more healthful lifestyles.

So keep up with your pals. Your body may thank you later.