How Friends Impact Your Health

If you like to read, join a book discussion group. Think about those things you really enjoy—cooking, gardening, crafts, music, live theater—and search for groups that share your interests. Volunteer your time with a charitable organization where you'll come together with others whose compassion for these issues matches your own. Take a continuing education class at your local community college—inexpensive, short-termed and a broad variety of topics. Learning something new enhances conversation.

Friendships—whether existing or new—must be nurtured to last and grow. In order to have (and keep) friends in your life, you must also be a good friend. Forge a positive attitude, practice tolerance, and don't be judgmental. Friendship is a two-way street, and both parties in the relationship must be willing to give, not just take. Cultivate active listening skills. (Some of the best listeners are those who don't like to talk, but make a great audience for the more talkative.)

Cultivating and cherishing friendships can affect anyone's longevity. A ten-year Australian study of 1500 senior citizens by Flinders University's Centre for Ageing Studies found that the participants who had a large support group of friends outlived those with the least friends by 22%. As one's social connections decrease, the risk for mortality increases. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Brigham Young University, states the mortality risk is nearly as great as that created by smoking.

So…fill the friendship “prescription" for good health. It's a renewable prescription for life!

http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/...

http://www.flinders.edu.au/sabs/fcas-files/Documen...

https://fhss.byu.edu/Assets/PsychedOut-Fall10.pdf

Save