Becci Bookner

Archive for March, 2010

Friendships are known to lift the spirits of and improve health for our older friends. A famous quote says “As humans, we are social creatures.”  Going out to eat, to the movies, shopping, golfing, hunting, fishing and a host of other activities are much preferred done with someone else.

National Institute of Health studies as well as others show that close friendships among our older generation will improve memory and physical function as well as overall health. Social relationships as we age, provide a way to ease the adjustment to and the acceptance of the inevitable changes that come with the process of living a long time.

Good friends can help with coping skills and with encouraging healthy living choices regarding food, smoking, medical care and exercise. A good friendship can be had on the other side of a phone call, a visit, a letter and even an email. There is great value in participating in a relationship. There area no hard statistics speaking to the number of specific hours needed to qualify one as a friend.  Consistency is important. Keep calling, writing, emailing, and visiting. Isn’t it great to be part of a great idea? This spring and summer, make a pledge to be a friend. What you gain will be at least as much as you give.

Experience the joy of being a blessing to someone.

Love,

Nancy