When was the last time you saw your mother? There are studies that say mothers live longer when they spend more time with their children. So, a study from 2012 says that you should hang out with your mom soon.
The study concluded that loneliness is a significant factor in the decline of quality of life in older adults, including risk of depression, cognitive impairment and health problems like coronary artery disease, and may even lead to an earlier death.
Specifically, the study looked at 1,600 adults with an average age of 71. Researchers found that 23 percent of participants who reported being lonely died within six years of the study, while only 14 percent of those who reported having companionship died during the same six year period.
The results, which were published in the JAMA Internal Medicine, remained consistent even after controlling for health and socioeconomic status.
Here Is How to Put Your Family First:
– Live in a family-friendly city and spend holidays away from home.
– Try to find a balance between your life and work. This means that you should be a great family member, have enough time to do well in your job, and have enough time to pursue your personal interests.
– Turn off the TV to have an actual conversation with your family or watch a good movie together.
– Cook and sit down for family dinners. Also, you should order take-out meals from time to time as it can be healthy and fun for your family.
Here Is Why You Should Spend More Time with Your Parents:
The Link Between Health and Social Ties
One more study which was published in 2010 in the journal of PLoS Medicine revealed that social relationships are as meaningful as losing weight in obese people, and exercising.
The author of the study was Julianne Holt-Lunstad, associate professor of psychology at the University of Brigham Young in Utah. According to her, the social ties are significant not just for the quality, but also for the longevity of life.
She explains that since ancient times, we, as humans, had relied on each other for survival when it came to food and protection. So, besides the modern times that offer numerous ways to be more independent, we need each other.
The results of the research revealed that social isolation, as well as loneliness, are harming our health. Actually, feeling lonely is a bigger risk to our health than obesity or smoking.
Hanging out with people we love leads to laughter which is a strong antidote to poor health, it improves the immune system, stimulates blood flow and mental activity, and it lowers the blood pressure.
Call Your Mother
So, you do not have anything to wait for. Call your mother and arrange a meeting. Make sure to bring some funny jokes with you. When you spend time with your parents, you are also getting the benefits.
There is no one that can understand you better than your mother and father. Also, they are always there for you, and their wisdom can be priceless. Interestingly, grandparents who babysit have shown to be at a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Well, spending time with your grandma and grandpa is another positive thing you should for yourself and them too. What to do when you meet your parents the next time?
You can ask them about your grandparents, and you can make a family tree with your family history. Your children will thank you one day.
Another interesting thing to do with your family is starting a new tradition such as taking a family photo once every year. Or, you can travel somewhere together, cook food together, volunteer, etc.
There are millions of things you can do with your parents and grandparents, all you need to do is just visit them or invite them to visit you.
Source: simplemost.com, realpositiveexperience.com