Despite our increasingly interconnected world, 42.6 million Americans over the age of 45 suffer from chronic loneliness, which is associated with health risks such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, poor sleep, inflammation and more. Friendship, on the other hand, can add years to your life.

Here are a few quick tips for nurturing friendships on a busy schedule:

Make it an event.
"Paradoxically, big get-togethers can be easier to prioritize than smaller ones," writes Laura Vanderkam of Fast Company. It's easy to convince yourself to shoot a "Sorry, too busy!" text backing out of a Tuesday night happy hour. You're more likely to hold yourself to attending an event you've invested time and energy in.

Send snail mail.
Want to let your friends know they're on your mind? Text messages can get lost in the digital flurry, but snail mail stands out. A quick card or little gift makes your friend's day more special while fostering a closer relationship.

Do the necessities together.
If there's something you both need to get done regardless of scheduling, do it together! Fit a friend in while you meal prep, hit the gym or run errands.