Friendship is the best antidotes for aging. Among women and men in their mid-thirties to early forties, those who report they have solid social support – a set of ties that make them feel good about themselves, a sense that there are people who like and care about them – collect big biological payoff. They look healthier in terms of every physiologic system that we look at. There cholesterol and glucose metabolism is better. Their inflammation and blood pressure is lower. All the main biological systems that regulate our bodies and our body cell look healthier. These biomarkers are a window on the future: decades before a disease would be diagnosed; they help predict the risk of developing atherosclerosis, dementia and other problems.
The lesson? Don’t neglect friendships or make them the last items on your to-do list. Be proactive. Don’t take time just when it’s available. Even virtual connection through e-mail likely has health benefits. Communication of any sort is most likely beneficial.
You may be interested in the following related articles as well.
