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What is the link between friendships and mental health?
It's important to maintain friendships throughout life. When we value the friendships we make, it has a positive effect on our well-being: friendships and mental health are closely linked.
It has been proven time and again that social groups and subcultures influence us, and this is especially true for middle-aged adults. Friends have a major impact on our lifestyle and health decisions.
Friendships give meaning to life
Our actions take on more meaning when we build friendships that have grown stronger and deeper over the years. Friends are witnesses to our lives. They have been there through the best and worst times of our lives.
A deep friendship helps us stay aligned with our values. A true friendship is a source of motivation and support, inspiring us to always give our best. And not just to find an activity partner or to help us meet our wellness goals. The simple act of maintaining a friendship stimulates us in a more meaningful way.
Could it be that our friends are more beneficial for our mental health than our family?
They say blood ties are stronger than anything, that family always comes before friends. We love our family. It's where we come from, and we create it. But for positive health outcomes, friendship may be even more essential.
A researcher working on a large study compared the influence of family versus friends on the health of middle-aged adults based on their own observations. 1 This study suggests that as we age, we move away from more superficial relationships to focus on deeper bonds. This doesn't apply as obviously with family members. In the case of a family member with whom we don't have deep interactions, it's not possible to simply abandon them. Friendship, then, is a more dynamic and changing relationship. We can't change or replace family. But we can with our friends, even if it might seem terribly insensitive.
This is especially true when friendships are deep, not superficial. As we age, we tend to distance ourselves and reflect on our life path.
Therefore, older adults who have stronger friendships also tend to be less sedentary by nature. While one takes on the role of caregiver when a family member needs it, a friend provides support by choice rather than obligation.
Friendships have a cognitive effect on our brain
There are also notable statistical differences in levels of cognitive decline among older adults who remain socially active. One study found that levels of cognitive decline were reduced by 70% among middle-aged adults who continued to regularly share activities with friends. 2
If you're no longer in touch with your childhood friends, there's no need to worry. Don't wait any longer to get involved and be active! If you're involved in your church, for example, join one of the existing groups or start one. Find out what your city offers for seniors. Many communities have walking groups, book clubs, and activities tailored to a variety of interests.
Age doesn't matter! Keep in mind that friendships aren't limited to your age group. See if there's a tutoring program you can join to help teens or young adults, or simply strike up conversations with people who aren't your own age. Visit your local library or school to see if there are any tutoring or support programs you can help with. These places attract people who are looking to connect with others and build deeper connections. Finally, if you already have valuable friendships, then cherish them, knowing that they not only bring you joy but also support your mental health.
- Chopik, William J. “Associations among Relational Values, Support, Health, and Well-Being across the Adult Lifespan.” The Health and Retirement Study—The National Institute on Aging, vol. 24, no. 2, Apr. 2017, p. 408–422, doi:10.1111/pere.12187 [ ↩ ]
- James, Bryan D., et al. “Late-Life Social Activity and Cognitive Decline in Old Age.” Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, vol. 17, no. 6, Nov. 2011, pp. 998–1005, doi:10.1017/s1355617711000531 [ ↩ ]