I spent decades behind the pharmacy counter. I saw plenty of people, including my loved ones, reach for pills and potions to stay healthy. But there’s a Harvard study that’s been running since 1938 — longer than most of us have been alive — and its message is simpler than any prescription I have filled: real, human connection can be the best medicine.

The researchers followed hundreds of people for more than 85 years, tracking their health, happiness, and relationships. And guess what? The folks who stayed close to friends, family, or community groups weren’t just happier — they lived longer and got sick less often. Good relationships ease stress, protect the heart, and even keep the brain sharper as we age. On the other hand, loneliness wears a person down. It can be just as dangerous as smoking or high blood pressure.

The good news? You don’t need a crowd — just a few people you trust and care about. A good friend, a neighbour who checks in, a shared laugh at the coffee shop. That’s powerful stuff.

So while we’ll always fill your prescriptions, don’t forget this: a warm conversation can sometimes be just what you need to help you feel better.

Peter Yurek, BSc. Phm.