Men with Close Male Friendships May Live Longer

Research links stronger male friendships to a lower risk of premature death, and surveys report a marked decline in the share of men with multiple close friends since 1990.

New research and long-term studies connect men's close friendships with longer life and better physical health. At the same time, survey data show a decline in the number of men reporting multiple close friends. Experts have described the pattern as shaped by social changes and shifts in how men form and maintain relationships. Key findings: - Survey Center on American Life data show the share of men reporting at least six close friends fell from 55% in 1990 to 27% more recently, and about 15% of men report having no close friends. - A large meta-analysis led by Julianne Holt-Lunstad, covering more than 309,000 people, found that a lack of strong relationships was associated with about a 50% higher risk of premature death, an effect often compared with heavy smoking and larger than some other common health risks. - The Harvard Study of Adult Development found that satisfaction with relationships at age 50 predicted physical health at age 80 more strongly than midlife cholesterol levels, a point often cited by study director Robert Waldinger. - Researchers and writers noted in the reporting recommend more time and intention be given to building and maintaining friendships, and they point to repeated shared activities—such as volunteering, sports leagues, or clubs—as common contexts where friendships can deepen. Summary: Stronger male friendships are associated with lower mortality risk and better long-term health according to multiple studies, while population surveys indicate fewer men now report multiple close friends compared with decades ago. Experts have recommended greater intentional investment in forming and maintaining friendships and have highlighted shared activities as common settings where deeper connections form.