Commentary
“I cannot even imagine where I would be today, were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.”
That quote came to mind as I thought about a good friend of mine and his wife who are currently dealing with taking care of her aging parents.
They have no friends, and thus, no joy.
Related Stories
It’s heartbreaking for my friend and his wife to see her parents rapidly deteriorate, well before others they know in their 80s and even 90s. Both of her parents, but especially her father, have significant memory issues. They also are rapidly deteriorating physically, while others their age remain active.
Zaraska writes about those who are now in their 80s, 90s, and even over 100, who remain mentally alert and active. While she notes numerous studies showing that those who have high-quality friendships have better health and live longer lives, it is even more important that these relationships are not “long distance” chats over Zoom, but instead a regular part of our daily lives.
Virtual friendships are just not the same.
Zaraska notes, “One study conducted during the coronavirus pandemic, and based on the analysis of blood samples from 142 adults, revealed that meeting friends in person improves the functioning of genes linked to the immune system. Such benefits, however, didn’t materialize for those who only interacted with their friends online.”
She concludes, “… while texting our friends or sending them Snapchat photos is certainly one way to keep the relationship going, for a deep connection we need more than seeing a friend’s two-dimensional image on a screen.”
Given that evidence, it’s not a coincidence that those who are involved in a faith community, where there is regular interaction and true human compassion for one another, enjoy better mental and physical health, and live longer lives.
They also understand the importance of faith and its accompanying relationships, so that they don’t meet the same fate as her parents.
It is those relationships that bring them joy and keep my friends active and living lives with meaning. Friendships and faith are the vital connections that are good for both the brain and the soul. Those connections also bring us together as people, rather than isolating us and tearing us apart.
Perhaps the next time we choose to sit down behind a computer screen, we will think twice and either pick up the phone, or better yet, get together physically with a friend or go to church rather than watching online. It will do us a world of good, in the present and in the future.
So, in the words of Swindoll, let’s have a “lot more fun.”
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Please rephrase the following sentence.
Source link
