There is something that many of us take for granted in life and unfortunately, we don’t often miss it until we are not able to do it any longer. I’m talking about picking up the phone and calling your mother. For those of us who have lost a mother in life, we recognize how precious a privilege it truly is. If you still have your mother, perhaps this article will help you to appreciate that fact in life even more.
The information provided in this article is from the 2012 study. You will clearly see that the results of the study show that loneliness plays an important part in the decline of life when we are older adults. Loneliness can lead to various problems, including depression, cognitive impairment and even various health issues, including heart disease. It may even result in an early death.
The study took a look at 1600 different adults who had an average age of 71. According to the results of the study, 23% of the participants who said that they were lonely during the study died within six years after the study was completed. Another 14% of those who reported having companionship during that time also died in the same six-year period. When you really analyze what the results of this study are, it shows you how important it is to limit loneliness if you want to lead a long life.
In addition, a 2010 study showed the importance of having social ties. In fact, having those social ties was just as important as losing weight to extend your life. This is significant, considering how much emphasis is put on those who need to lose weight and what it can do to their health.
“Our social relationships are important not only to our quality of life, but also our longevity,” said study author Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, associate professor of psychology at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, to WebMD.
“Throughout human history, we have relied on others for survival such as protection and food, and despite modern advancements that may [help with] certain aspects of survival so that we can live more independently, it appears that our relationships nonetheless still impact odds of survival,” she says.
According to the research, being isolated socially is very bad for your health. It has even been considered as a bigger health risk than obesity or smoking.
It is not only a matter of spending time with loved ones, it is also laughter that helps as well. Laughter can help with declining health, boost your immunity, lower your blood pressure and stimulate mental activity.
So what is holding you back? Take the time to call your mom and get together for a cup of tea. You also appreciate the fact that spending time with your parents is beneficial for you as well. The wisdom that they pass along is invaluable.
In addition, grandparents can certainly help with childcare and grandparents who babysit are less likely to experience dementia as a result of Alzheimer’s. That isn’t even to mention the fact that being with your grandparents is fun for the kids as well.
Are you looking for something to do the next time your parents come to visit? Ask them about their grandparents and start a family tree.
You can also begin a new tradition that will last forever. It is an annual family photo, perhaps traveling to a place that has been on your bucket list. You can also learn how to make a family recipe. There are more possibilities than you can possibly number.
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