In life, family is actually of incomparable value. In addition to serving as a reliable social network, one’s relationships with their family directly affect their general quality of life. People with strong family ties even outlast those with fewer positive relationships, according to research.
Here are some more reasons to prioritize spending time with your family if the possibility of living longer is not enough to convince you. The article explores the importance of family support.
Changes in Social Networks
Your social networks are probably going to shift as life unfolds. Family is frequently the only link that endures. You may change your friends, but you cannot change your family, as the phrase goes. As a result, family members frequently become your closest friends. They offer a reliable connection source.
The Connection Between Family and Health
The value of family is increasingly obvious. Staying in touch with friends and family was a top priority for nearly 30% of those polled in the United States Aging Survey when it came to sustaining a high-quality life. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of those questioned said that connections were more essential than financial resources.
The following advantages are linked to individuals who claim to have closer links to their relatives:
- Older adults who are more socially active with family members have a higher likelihood of living longer. Even individuals who are suffering from advanced stages of dementia may attest to this. Although you might not be able to tell, having a family member around increases a person’s lifespan and enhances the quality of one’s latter years.
- It has also been suggested that older adults who live near to their relatives have greater mental health than those who do not. Depression is lessened by interacting with their relatives and being reminded of their importance.
- The degree of cognitive function is often higher in individuals who are more socially active. Memory and reasoning abilities were more likely to improve in those who expressed happiness and participated in social activities. Cognitive abilities decreased in those who responded in the other direction.
Financial and Emotional Support
When a person’s health is failing, financial help is frequently required. Your stress can be reduced to some extent by financial assistance, but probably not completely. Due to your already compromised immune system, your health might significantly be affected by this.
While being able to receive financial assistance is beneficial, another sort of support that significantly improves health is emotional support. Being able to chat to someone about our lives has a beneficial impact on how content we are.
Simple things like having assistance around the house and help with errands may also provide additional support.
Family support is crucial at every stage of life, especially so as we age. So, let’s not wait until the next holiday season to show our love, appreciation, and support for our loved ones. Strengthen your family relationships and offer family support to your loved ones as they age.
