Who doesn’t love hanging out with their mom? I sure know I do!
When we are young, we see our moms as the enemy who has set out to ruin our lives and do nothing but controls us. However, over a period, we begin to see the same child-mother relationship in a different light.
Believe me; I have experienced this first hand.
Our mother often is always our best friend, but the huge age gap makes it easy for the friendship to fade over time or at least harder to develop.
I remember when I was growing up I always loved to spend entire days with my grandma, helping her cook or take care of her garden.
She truly was always my best friend, but as I grew up and got new friends and new hobbies, that friendship was hurt.
According to scientists, it is important for our mom’s health that we keep the friendships high no matter the number of years that go by.
The University of California conducted a study that found a direct correlation between how much we hang out with the elderly, and how long they live.
Out of 1,600 adults with an average age of 71, those who were lonely more often had a higher chance of dying before their peers. Loneliness hurts everyone but becomes more painful with age.
I know that I could not imagine growing old with no one by my side. Keeping the old free from isolation is why homes for senior citizens are so helpful. They offer a community and a way to be social for the oldest generation. It is like living with all your friends. Just imagine how happy that would make you.
According to Rosemary Blieszner, a human development professor at Virginia Tech, friendships with older people is also good for the younger generation. Elderly friends have a lot of experience and knowledge that they can, and would most likely love to, pass on. Befriend an older person, and you both can benefit tremendously.
This study gives all the more reason to continue a strong relationship with your mom and grandma. As they reach old age, they will never experience the crushing isolation that many senior citizens do.
Therefore, they are much more likely to live some extra years happily. Of course, you do not need me, the University of California study, or a professor of human development to tell you to hang out with your mom or grandma.
You should stick out with them because you love them and want to spend time with them. That should be why you hang out with anyone in your family. Take your grandma out to breakfast, take your mom to that movie she has wanted to see, or even just sit and talk with them.
If you have time, volunteer at a senior citizen home and make a few new friends. It can only lead to happiness for everyone who is involved.
