Improve Your Relationships

Consider these practical suggestions for improving social health and your life expectancy.

• INVEST IN FRIENDSHIPS: Take time to meet new people and renew old friendships.

• Stay in contact: Meet often to do things together to enrich your social and emotional life.

• INVEST IN YOUR MARRIAGE: Or, if unmarried, develop a close confidant – one you can share your most private fears and worries, your successes, your joys.

• JOIN A GROUP: Community, church, and social organizations provide a way to meet new people and develop caring friends.

• VOLUNTEER: Many social organizations need volunteers. It’s a great way to stay involved in helping other people, while finding social outlets for yourself.

• LOOK FOR SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES: Or create them yourself. Come up with things to do with others: invite them over or go out to dinner, go biking or hiking together, join the choir, volunteer, take a class, look for someone else who needs a friend or who needs some kind of help.

• INTERACT WITH OTHER PEOPLE: Don’t isolate yourself. People are always more important than things. Time with family and friends can bring you your best moments and help you enjoy a long and fulfilling life.43 social support. Another study found that older individuals who perceived their social support as impaired were 340% more likely to die prematurely from all causes.

One study showed that what older adults contributed to their social network had more to do with their health than what they received from it. In other words, the more they gave, the more they received. Another important research study found that 95% of those who had regular personal contact with the individuals whom they helped were blessed with a feel-good sensation which became known as the “helper’s high.” Nationwide surveys indicate that close to 90% of committed volunteers say they are healthier or as healthy as others their age. Another study’s participants commented on “the endurance of the glow,” or the helper’s high. Amazingly, of those who commented, most say that the glow kept returning when they remembered helping. Volunteering is a blessing that “keeps on giving” back to the giver.

She can smile again!