Over the years, much research has shown that your friends help shape your habits and happiness. A study by the National Institute on Aging in 2017 has shown that the bonds of friendship can in many cases even be stronger than the bonds of family. After all, as the old saying goes, friends are the family you choose. In the “relationship scale”, friendship has always been sidelined in favor of familial and romantic relationships, but having a strong network of friends is key to keeping you mentally and emotionally healthy. This is especially true in your golden years, where you might find yourself needing more support as you traverse various lifestyle changes. Friendships keep us grounded and remind us that we’re not alone. Here, we talk more about the importance of friendship as you age.
Friendships in Your Golden Years
Remember the study we mentioned earlier? It was designed by William J. Chopik, a psychology professor at Michigan State University. It looked at two sets of data – the first was drawn from people from all over the world, spread across different age groups, while the second comprised older Americans.
The first group, which contained close to 300, 000 people ranging from 15 to 99, was asked how highly they valued various sorts of relationships and how happy they were. The study then tracked groups of people at different ages across various intervals over some years. What they found was those aged 65 and above found themselves valuing friendship more than when they were younger. While strong family ties were linked to happiness, the value that people placed on them didn’t necessarily change as they aged.
The researchers also looked at the data from the second group – around 7,500 Americans in their 60s and 70s. It found that getting support, whether from children, spouses or friends, predicted a greater sense of wellbeing, while having more extended family around them didn’t seem to make much of a difference.
In general, the research also found that those who suffered “strain” in their friendships had a higher risk of suffering from chronic illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes, as well as psychological problems. What was interesting was that strain with family relationships didn’t lead to such issues. All of this shows that you shouldn’t discount the value of friendship!
Making Friends, Keeping Friends
Some of us may already have a close network of friends, whether they’re ones that we’ve known throughout our lives, or from our current surroundings. It’s important to keep these friendship networks active. Make it a point to call up your friends regularly for coffee or a meal, or even organize fun excursions.
If you’re looking to make new friends, there are also plenty of options. Volunteering with a local group is a great way to meet likeminded people, and you’ll be participating in a worthy cause. Some find friendships at interest groups such as book clubs in their neighborhood. Religious centers can also provide peer communities for you to engage with. At Aston Gardens At Pelican Marsh, our packed social calendar of activities and events provides great opportunities for meeting new people. Our amenities are designed for both individual satisfaction and to foster a community spirit. Contact us today to find out more.
