Can you name three close friends that you see regularly?

Excerpted from realage.com

Can you name three close friends that you see regularly? If you can't, you're not alone. Twenty years ago, each American had about three close confidants; today, we average about two. That doesn't bode well for long-term health and well-being. Is your world getting smaller? Give -- and get -- the gift of friendship this year. Grab a plate of goodies, head next door, and say, "Hi."

Cell phones, e-mail, and text messaging let you reach out to anyone, anywhere, anytime. But despite being better connected, Americans have fewer confidants to turn to when they need help, advice, or just a willing ear and an open mind. So nurture the friendships you have, and work toward building new relationships. You'll be doing a good thing for yourself -- and your new friends. A supportive social circle can make you years younger by acting as a shield against the aging effects of stress.