Feature Articles - Aging
Friendship is important to older adults
Nina Chen, Ph.D., human development specialist, University of Missouri Extension
Many studies have shown the benefits of friendship on positive social, emotional, and physical well-being. Having a strong circle of friends can be a good source for aging hearts and help the body's autoimmune system resist disease. People who have one or more good friends have better health than those who have only causal friends or no friends.
Friends are as important as families. In our society, many
people turn to their friends first when they encounter crisis
because of the distance of their family. People without friends
are likely to feel isolated and lonely.
In the USA, one of three women and one of every seven men aged
65 or older lives alone. They need to reach out to friends for
companionship, friendship, support, and human contact. In
addition, men usually have a harder time dealing with their
widowhood than women. About two-thirds of older men reported
that they did not have a close friend, while 16% of widows
reported having no friends.
Because of physical changes, loss, and retirement, friendship is
very important for older people. Although casual friendships can
help, one close friend can help relieve stress and depression.
Friendship not only gives emotional support, but also is a way
of helping, sharing, caring, and informing each other.
Friendship can help enrich a person's physical, emotional, and
social health and adjust to changes through the challenging
times of life.
If you don't have a friend, take the initiative to be a friend
to someone else. For instance, join social clubs, civic groups,
volunteer organizations, community events, church activities,
etc. These are good places to meet people and build a good
relationship. When you attend a group, have something to say. Be
informed by reading news, magazines, and books and find
opportunities to speak to other people without waiting for them
to do it. It is also very important to listen to what the person
is saying to you. Remember, if you want to have a friend, you
must be a friend.
Resources:
Chen, N. (2001). The meaning of aging. Journal of Extension.
Vol. 39, No. 6.
Matthews, W. (1993). The magic of friendship. North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service.
Meyers, S. (1993). Friendships in later years. University of
Minnesota Extension.
Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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