Value of Friendships As We Age
Research supports that maintaining strong social connection is just as important as maintaining physical health with diet and exercise. Here are some benefits of maintaining friendships:
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Friendships help reduce social isolation and loneliness, and offer connectedness and companionship. People who having strong social bonds are often happier and more confident.
Friendships provide emotional support. They are a safe space for sharing fears and hopes, especially when navigating life's challenges like grief, health issues and life transitions.
Having friends around helps older adults manage stress more effectively, which benefits both mental and physical health.
Friendships give older adults a sense of purpose and meaning, as they continue to share experiences and be valued by others.
Physical and Cognitive Benefits
Studies have shown that strong social connections are linked to better overall physical health, including lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and stroke.
Studies have also shown that older adults with strong friendship tend to live longer, healthier lives.
Engaging in stimulating conversations and activities with friends and family help keep the brain active, which helps preserve cognitive function and memory. Research studies have also linked social isolation and loneliness to a increased risk of dementia.
Friends also motivate and encourage each other to stay active, eat healthier and keep up with medical appointments.
The value of long term friendships and making new friends
Long term friendships are comforting because of a shared history. Remembering memories of childhood, school, marriages, and other milestones can provide much laughter and comfort. Even if you cannot meet in person, newer videochat technologies such as zoom, Facetime, and social media such as Facebook or Instagram will help you stay in touch.
Cultivating newer friendships also has rewards. These friendships can provide fresh perspectives and opportunities for continued growth. Different ways to make new friends include joining groups or clubs of interest to you. Many communities offer classes and clubs on a variety of topics. Worship communities are another way to meet new people. Volunteering at a favorite organization can provide opportunities to meet like minded people.
So whether you share friendships that are long term, or more recent, you will benefit from these special relationships.