http://www.newser.com/story/99296/heavy-drinkers-outlive-abstainers.html

This article backs up my theory that socializing makes you happy. I’ve always said that when you’re busy at work, never pass up an opportunity to go out with your friends because if you only go to work and go home, you’re always - constantly - going to work. Meeting up with friends even for an hour breaks the “work/home cycle” and gives you a refreshing release from the daily grind.

I do believe that those who prioritize their time with friends live longer and happier lives than those who are all about obligations 100% of the time.

From Newser:

Bad news for teetotalers: Drinking may be good for you, sort of. A new study suggests that drinkers, even heavy drinkers, tend to outlive those who abstain. “Moderate” drinkers, defined here as those who drink one to three glasses a day, were found to live longest, notes Time. The study followed 1,824 people between the ages of 55 and 65 for 20 years: In that time, 69% of those who never drank died, compared to 60% of heavy drinkers and 41% of moderate drinkers.

The findings are still a bit of a mystery. The benefits of a bit of booze are well known: improved heart health, circulation, and sociability. What’s less clear, however, is why heavy drinkers (who are prone to cirrhosis and cancer) would outlive abstemious types.