For centuries, mothers have been regarded as the source of unconditional love and care. We have witnessed them fight for us, cry for us, and be proud of us, even when it was difficult. However, the thought of our mothers leaving us is something we despise. Do you wake up from a nightmare and long for your mother? Or surprise her with impromptu visits? Then do it more often, because according to a study, it helps them live longer!
Depression plays a critical role in the defeat that is associated with old age, according to research conducted by scholars at the University of California, San Francisco. Elle posted a report on the study, which involved 1,600 adults with an average age of 71. Financial status and health were controlled variables. However, lonely people had higher death rates. Almost 23% of participants died within six years compared to 14% of those who reported having sufficient companionship.
As people age, many of their relationships come and go. Unfortunately, even the enduring ones begin to shrink with age. The people they have spent most of their time with may not be around to care for them.
Children often leave their parents alone when their old age becomes a burden to them. Little does anyone know that our elders will leave so far that one may not have a chance to say goodbye.
The understanding of the risks of isolation and a sparsely populated, disconnected life can be elusive for several reasons. “For example, if no one is addressing the person’s daily needs — food, medication, medical appointments,” Ms. Moscowitz explains. “The fridge is empty, but there’s no one to call. People suffer sacrifice, humiliation.”
Social isolation and loneliness can take a severe toll on older people, mentally and physically. (The Census Bureau reports that over 75, nearly a quarter of men and almost 46% of women live alone.)
“The need we’ve had our entire lives — people who know us, value us, who bring us joy — that never goes away,” Barbara Moscowitz, a Senior geriatric social worker at Massachusetts General Hospital told The New York Times.
Loneliness brings its dangers; studies have shown that loneliness is associated with higher blood pressure, nursing home admissions, unhealthy behaviors such as inactivity and smoking, and with dementia.
The elderly consider bonds much more seriously than their children or grandchildren do; therefore forgiveness comes quickly to them. Rosemary Blieszner, a professor of human development at Virginia Tech, says that it comes down to basic social skills and that the skills our grandparents have honed over a lifetime.
Due to these skills, their friendships are much more stable and accepting of the quirks and flaws that their friends have. “You bring much more experience to your friendships when you’re older. You know what’s worth arguing over and not worth arguing over.” Rosemary states.
Aside from older relatives and friends who are invited home, it is important to foster relationships at their level. Often, assisted living environments are misunderstood. However, this widespread belief is lost. Older people tend to thrive in living environments where they can interact and socialize with other people their age. When the quality of their time improves, their lifespan becomes more concrete.
Your Grandma and Grandpa can benefit significantly if you spend quality time with them regularly. That being said, it also helps the young ones learn from their experiences. The interactions they have with their family provide them with the essential companionship and expression that is critical for life at that stage.
Don’t we all go back to secret recipes shared by our grandmothers? Or some killer chess move that your grandfather showed you? Although a considerable number of young people and adults do not have grandparents or parents, one can always go to assisted living homes or similar organizations and connect with the elderly
