Having a large network of friends is critical to the psychological wellbeing of middle aged adults.

Researchers used information collected from over 7000 adults born in Great Britain in 1958.

Having fewer friends at age 45 was associated with poorer psychological wellbeing at age 50, over and above the differences accounted for by educational factors, material status and previous psychological health.

Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 2013;67:166-71.

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