If you do one thing this week . . . tend to your friends
THERE’S A Czech proverb that says “Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends”, and research shows its wisdom is right on the money.
Studies suggest that social engagement helps protect cognitive function as you get older. Meanwhile, friends can provide valuable support for difficult times, like the diagnosis and treatment of an illness.
And having friends could also help you live longer – a follow-up of 1,477 people starting from age 70 in Adelaide, South Australia, found that having a large number of friends increased the likelihood by 22 per cent of still being alive at the end of the 10-year study.
So don’t let a busy life or minor arguments come between you and your friends – they may have more of an influence on your health than you think.
CLAIRE O’CONNELL
