Is the intent behind "maintaining kinship ties prolongs life" an increase in one's actual lifespan or an increase in the blessing within it?

Life's span neither increases nor decreases; this is the view of the majority, who cite as evidence the Almighty's saying: "Indeed, the term [appointed by] Allah - when it comes - will not be delayed," and "nor can they remain behind by an hour, nor can they precede [it]." They interpret the increase mentioned in the hadiths as referring to blessings in one's life and success in obedience. Others hold that life's span genuinely increases and decreases, citing as evidence the Almighty's saying: "Allah eliminates what He wills or confirms, and with Him is the Mother of the Book." They also cite hadiths, including: "Whoever wishes that his provision be expanded for him and his life span be extended, let him maintain ties of kinship." This is explained by understanding that what is decreed is decreed with causes, so the increase in one's life span is due to maintaining kinship ties.