Mayo Clinic researchers say building friendships and creating thriving social circles is a key component of good health, even in adult life.  In the clinic's HealthQuest newsletter, doctors recommend eight ways for adults to meet new friends:

1.  Take your pet for walks and make conversations with folk who stop to chat.

2.  Join a hobby group.

3.  Become a volunteer in community groups or at a hospital, church, or school.

4.  Go back to school.  Take a course or two.

5.  Shape up while meeting new people in an exercise class.

6.  Get active in a cause or goal you believe in, such as in a "fight against cancer" organization or political candidate's election committee.

7.  Go out to lunch with a work or social acquaintance at least once a month.

8.  Ask a small favor of a neighbor or co-worker, and do the same for him or her.

(April Newsletter, page 2)