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WHAT’S A FRIEND? FOR SENIORS, TRUE FRIENDSHIPS ARE FRUITFUL BY SUSAN SHULTZ
F
or young children, a friend is a playmate. For teens, a friend is a confidante and a source of laughter. As adults, we rely on friends for social outlets from our day-to-day stresses. And as we age, our friends may be fewer and far between. Life sends us in different directions. Our friends pass away or move to be closer to children and grandchildren. And in some cases, for the lucky ones, we have lifetime friends who keep us grounded and share a wealth of memories. And surprisingly, strong friendships can have a positive impact on our health. Long time friendships tend to be the most valuable and outlast more superficial connections. For Jane, suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease at age 80, her definition of a friend is evident, as her two closest childhood friends take turns sitting by her bedside, coaxing her to eat, and sharing funny memories of her as a teenager with her children. AgeWellCT recently reported on a study from the University of Michigan about friendships in older adults translated to better functioning, where a lack of steady friendships may have contributed to chronic illnesses. Aetna also reports on the benefit of friendships for older adults – saying those ties might actually lead to a longer life span. Friendships can also fill voids in a different way than family can. Though familial ties are powerful, in some cases the family becomes more of a caregiver role. SEE FRIENDSHIPS ON PAGE 10
The Benefits of Having Friends Heart Disease
AgeWellCT reports studies have shown that those who deal with loneliness are more likely to develop heart disease and/or have a stroke than those who socialize actively.
Cognitive Benefits
Those who experience loneliness are also more likely to develop cognitive decline or dementia.
Chronic Illnesses
Loneliness can also make those who suffer from it more susceptible to lung disease, depression and arthritis.
Lifespan
Lonely older adults can also have a much higher rate of death and physical and .mental decline.
Emotional Well-being
The study showed that friendships were a direct correlation to how happy and healthy one feels, according to the AARP.