Senior Spotlight: Research Proves That Good Relationships Make A Good Life
It’s never too late to build new friendships – and maybe never more important.
Hardly any single one of us would argue with the fact that we always feel better after spending time with friends. The fields of science & psychology agree, as experts from the Harvard Study of Adult Development divulge that “meaningful social connections play an outsized role in our physical and emotional well-being.”
A new book released this year titled “The Good Life: Lessons From the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness” shares 85 years of data tracking thousands of people – and found the #1 factor in a good life is good relationships with others.
Excerpt:
‘The people who were happiest, who stayed healthiest as they grew old, and
who lived the longest were the people who had the warmest connections
with other people.’
Ironically, research shows that as we age – we actually lose friends (at a time we need them most!). Our closest connections may move away, take different routes to retirement, become ill or even pass away. So while keeping your longtime connections is the most desirable and quote honestly the easiest, it is not the only way to ascertain the best quality of life that you can. Another option is to make new friends; it IS possible at any age.
Next Avenue cites 4 attainable ways to do just that:
1. Cultivate a new interest and enjoy a new tribe; new activities provide new opportunities.
2. Join a regular social group (look for varying types at community centers, religious organizations senior centers, etc.).
3. Donate your time and you will no doubt run into others who share your values and priorities.
4. Take the initiative and ask someone with common interests to do something together – start somewhere!
There truly is no time like the present to prioritize your current friendships, and always advantages to forming new ones. Instead of focusing on the disadvantages of isolation, may we strive to create intentional connections and enjoy all that follows.
Cheers,
Bobbi
Bobbi Decker
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Broker Associate
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www.bobbidecker.com
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