In a viral TikTok video, 87-year-old Elaine Neuwirth stresses the importance of social connections and having a purpose for healthy aging. Research supports her claims, particularly findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which indicates that high-quality relationships are crucial for physical and mental well-being in later life. Studies show that individuals with strong social ties experience better immune function and a lower risk of chronic diseases. Loneliness, conversely, poses significant health risks, even greater than obesity. Experts suggest that enhancing community ties can mitigate loneliness. Additionally, having a sense of purpose is linked to improved health outcomes, with recent studies indicating that individuals who find purpose later in life exhibit healthier behaviors and lower mortality rates. Overall, nurturing psychological well-being alongside diet and exercise is essential for longevity.