The Power of Friendship
If you’ve said that you couldn’t live without your friends, that may be more true than you realize.
Many studies show that loneliness can take a serious toll on your health. Even before the pandemic, three out of five people reported feeling lonely. That’s especially true for older adults who may be isolated or can’t easily get together with family and friends. And lately, perhaps due to living in a largely digital world, younger Americans feel lonely more often.
More than ever, companionship and social connection with people are needed to help reduce stress and increase longevity.
A study by the American Psychologist found social connection reduces the chances of premature death by 50%.
Relationships with friends, siblings and partners help us live longer, lower our risk for heart disease and boost our immunities – and strong social ties also can help you heal faster if you have a health setback.
That’s especially true for women because those with strong friendships and healthy marriages have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
It sounds like a strong case for getting your besties together, doesn’t it? But, even if you don’t have a big group of friends, just one strong human connection can make all the difference.
Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while and catch up. If that makes you feel good, list a few people you want to stay connected to—and make a point of staying in touch. In fact, put time on your calendar once a month to reach out to a friend you miss or someone with whom you want a stronger connection.