As we age, our friendship network can drop. Whether it’s because of death, sickness, or divorce, it can be harder to keep healthy relationships. But, researchers say, it’s key to staying healthy.
Making and keeping strong connections takes work. So why do it?
It can help prevent:
- Dementia
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Depression and anxiety
- Early death due to chronic illness
It can help improve:
- Your healthy eating habits
- Your commitment to physical activity
- Your ability to recover from stress, depression, and anxiety
- Your ability to stay at a healthy weight
- How well you sleep
- Overall quality of life and well-being
In fact, experts say that total health relies on three things: a safe place to live, healthy food to eat, and good relationships.
This might be a shift if you’re used to doing things by yourself.
“Our parents didn’t always talk to their peers – or even their doctors – about their health,” says Ryah Nabielski, MS, RDN, a functional nutritionist and owner of Eco Nutrition in Denver. “Now, I see younger people – and even some older ones – starting to open up about PMS, aging issues, and other things. Plus, there is more information out there and online to discuss.”
Stephanie Johnson, 51, a financial consultant in Athens, GA, knows this firsthand. “When I started an exercise program years ago, two friends (college athletes) helped me a lot,” she says. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but since they were educated on how to exercise properly, they took me under their wings.”
Sharing Is Caring – Benefits of a Buddy
Why would you want to share your health goals with someone else? Experts say there is some science to it. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or you have some other goal, the benefits are many.
Accountability. You’re less likely to skip the gym if someone is waiting for you or to overeat if you know you’ll have to report back on your meals.
Confidence. When another person pumps you up, it can help you stay on track. Think of it as having your own cheerleader. And you can return the favor.
Fun. If you have a good time doing something, you’re more likely to stick with it. When you are sharing your health journey, that could mean having someone to talk to while on a walk or to share healthy recipes with.
Support. If you’re planning a trip, you might ask a friend for tips. The same goes for making health changes in your life. Friends and family can share tips on fun workouts, as well as help you celebrate when things go well, or listen to you if things are challenging.
But how do you make connections if your circle is small or you’re not the best at meeting new people? Try these tips to fast-track your health goals:
Do the Work
You might’ve heard the old saying: To make friends, you have to be a friend. Invest time and effort in building your buddy list. Maybe one friend joins you on daily walks and another goes biking on Saturday mornings. Don’t forget to return the favor. Offer to help others in the areas you’re good at, too.
Meet People Who Share Your Goals
If you want to lose weight and get fit, why not find like-minded people? Where can you find them? Online or in-person support groups or classes are a start. “My parents have recently done bicycle trips throughout Europe,” Nabielski says. “It’s been a great way to meet other people in their 70s who are serious about staying active.” Check out clubs that focus on healthy living or staying fit.
Stay Connected to Those You Know
Sometimes, your best health advocates are right at home. The people you trust and are comfortable with are great people to talk about your health with, Nabielski says. “It can also help you have something in common to strengthen existing relationships and connections.” But don’t fret if you can’t find a one-stop bud for all your health goals. One person might be an exercise friend, while someone else might help keep you on top of your stress reduction or healthy eating goals.
Bring in the Pros
You may not know where to start in finding support for your healthy lifestyle goals. Not to worry – a psychologist can help you figure out how to overcome obstacles that may be holding you back. They understand the connection between mind and body. Maybe you’ve lost loved ones or gone through a divorce or recent illness. These life events can close you off from making new friends. A psychologist is trained to listen to your unique goals and challenges and help you to make a plan.
Speak Up
No one will know you want to lose weight or learn more about supplements if you don’t share. “So many people suffer in silence with different health conditions,” Nabielski says. “The people I see have the most success find ways to ask questions and get the help they need from those around them.”
Have a Team Mentality
Many activities play double duty and offer both health benefits and social time. Sure, you can do these things alone, but they can be much more fun with a friend. “I looked forward to working out with my friends,” Johnson says. “We would talk about events and just enjoy laughing and spending time together. Working out felt less like work.”
Some ideas for building a team:
- Start a community garden in your neighborhood.
- Take an exercise class – offer to drive a friend.
- Get a pet – walking them will offer a whole new world of friends.
Some of these to-dos are easier when you’re retired, but you don’t have to wait until then. Starting early to build a tribe of fellow health-focused friends can start today.
One Final Note
Recently, the U.S. surgeon general named loneliness as one of the top issues in the country. The pandemic didn’t help, but research showed we are becoming more isolated. Worse yet, one study connected lifespan to the number of healthy relationships in a person’s life. Sharing your health journey with others can help bring a lifetime of well-being.
Show Sources
Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images
SOURCES:
CDC: "How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health?” “Ways To Improve Social Connectedness.”
Kaiser Permanente: “The Community Support Hub.”
Ryah Nabielski, MS, RDN; functional nutritionist and owner, Eco Nutrition, Denver.
Stephanie Johnson, 51 financial consultant, Athens, GA.
Society of Behavioral Medicine: “Weight Loss: Meet Your Goals with A Support Network.”
American Psychological Association: “Making Lifestyle Changes That Last.”
Mental Health America: “Connect With Others.”
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation”
