12 Jan Friends with benefits
We know that good quality relationships is key to happiness.
We also know that positive connections enhances resilience and mental health.
But in addition to health and happiness, friendships provide additional and important benefits…
via the Washington Post by Judith Graham
Ask Edith Smith, a proud 103-year-old, about her friends, and she’ll give you an earful.
There’s Johnetta, 101, whom she’s known for 70 years and who has Alzheimer’s disease. “I call her every day and just say, ‘Hi, how are you doing?’ She never knows, but she says hi back, and I tease her,” Smith said.
There’s Katie, 93, whom Smith met during a long teaching career with Chicago Public Schools. “Every day we have a good conversation. She’s still driving and lives in her own house, and she tells me what’s going on.”
Then there’s Rhea, 90, whom Smith visits regularly at a retirement facility. And Mary, 95, who doesn’t leave her house anymore, “so I fix her a basket about once a month of jelly and little things I make and send it over by cab.” And there are Smith’s fellow residents at a Chicago seniors community, whom she recognizes with a card and a treat on their birthdays.
“I’m a very friendly person,” Smith said, when asked to describe herself.
That may be one reason this lively centenarian has an extraordinary memory for someone her age, suggests a recent study highlighting a notable link between brain health and positive relationships…
…keep reading the full & original article HERE