A study has just been published in the European Journal of Ageing which concluded
Multivariate Cox hazard regressions identified two main network-related components as predictors of survival: contact with friends, a social network interaction variable, and attendance at a synagogue, a social engagement variable.
Friendship ties are seen to uniquely reduce mortality risk because they are based on choice in nature, and reflect a sense of personal control. Synagogue attendance is seen to promote survival mainly through its function as a source of communal attachment and, perhaps, as a reflection of spirituality as well.
On the other hand, G_d blesses those who DO what He says and curses those who don’t. Blessings come from vertical firstly, not horizontal. Friendship with G_d comes first and He blesses you with friends of the same spirit.