A meta-analysis of 148 studies found that those with stronger social relationships had a 50% lower risk of all-cause mortality.[4] Conversely, loneliness is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality.[5] Little work has directly compared the health impacts of marriage compared to those of non-romantic relationships, such as connections with friends or colleagues.[3] However, there are several reasons why marriage may exert a greater health impact than other relationships, even other cohabiting relationships: married couples spend time together during a wide variety of activities, such as eating, leisure, housekeeping, child-care and sleep.[1] Spouses also share resources and investments such as joint finances or home-ownership.