Friends = Live a longer Life

Post by **old-timer** » February 16, 2015, 3:02 pm

OT was listening to the radio earlier today and a Doctor was saying that having friends actually leads to living a longer life, up to 22% longer it was claimed.
So now I've googled it to check out the facts and believe it or not there is plenty of other people and organizations and facts that back this up. Just a quick example of what seems to be a fact:

According to the Mayo Clinic, friends not only prevent loneliness, but can also increase your sense of belonging and purpose and improve your sense of belonging

Not having friends and being socially isolated can cause serious health problems and shorten your life. Numerous studies have found that people who are socially isolated have the same death rate caused by obesity

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/5-reas ... z3RtI51cAw

It's easy to become socially isolated living out your retirement in Udon so it's important to keep a few good friends and get together for coffee or beers and a good old chinwag on a regular basis. I found myself often craving for good company during the daytime. Made up for it in the evenings.

OT................... $\:D/$

Post by **stattointhailand** » February 16, 2015, 6:15 pm

Funny OT, last time I had the miss fortune to have to watch part of an episode of "Friends", it left me verging on the suicidal :-&

Post by **mathusalah80** » February 16, 2015, 6:23 pm

stattointhailand wrote:Funny OT, last time I had the miss fortune to have to watch part of an episode of "Friends", it left me verging on the suicidal :-&

Hence the origin of the saying...With "Friends" like that, who needs enemies? On second thoughts Statts, think I'll leave the jokes to you & Zid.

Post by **mathusalah80** » February 16, 2015, 6:28 pm

stattointhailand wrote:Funny OT, last time I had the miss fortune to have to watch part of an episode of "Friends", it left me verging on the suicidal :-&

Second try! Miss WHO, Statts????? NOTE: Written as the stand in for, and on behalf of, JS

Post by **ronan01** » February 16, 2015, 6:33 pm

They have a "mental health" ad that runs on the tv here - engage, act, belong (or something like that - basically it says to engage with others, belong to a group with similar interests, have a hobby/sport

Post by **stattointhailand** » February 16, 2015, 7:05 pm

ronan01 wrote:They have a "mental health" ad that runs on the tv here - engage, act, belong (or something like that - basically it says to engage with others, belong to a group with similar interests, have a hobby/sport

That explains why the sheep in Oz seem to live a lot longer :-"

Post by **mortiboy** » February 16, 2015, 9:26 pm

I only have three friends Two to gone back UK, other lives some distant away.
Because I dont do the bar beer thing, I never meet up with anyone.
I love my home. My choice I know. But thats the price to pay
Missus work all day So Only have her evening time.

Post by **Aardvark** » February 17, 2015, 4:42 pm

Having a Pet can have the same affect ....

Post by **stattointhailand** » February 17, 2015, 8:11 pm

Aardvark wrote:Having a Pet can have the same affect ....

Unless the pet is called Earnest

Post by **trubrit** » February 18, 2015, 10:58 am

I think one needs to consider whether you are someone that feels the pang of loneliness or like myself, enjoy the tranquility of being alone .I live out in the country and very rarely see a visitor, not even a passer by, and quite honestly, I simply love it like that. I couldn't imagine the torment I would feel if I lived in town or close proximity to others . In fact my once a week shopping expedition to town satisfies my need to socialise until the following week. If I go away for a short break , no matter how enjoyable it was, upon entering through my home gates a feeling of contentment envelopes me .Whilst anyone that knows me will not find me an unsociable person, I simply don't need others company. I have always been a bit of a loner and the older I am getting the stronger that trait is getting .During the last eighteen months my wife has become a grandmother and now likes to spend time with her daughters family, so frequently spends extended weekends with them. Before going she always worries about leaving me and simply doesn't understand when rather than trying to stop her, I welcome the break .Although I must admit I am always glad to see her again .The few days I spend on my own are shear heaven, every thing I do are just for me, no one else to consider or listen too . $\:D/$
I am sure contrary to the original post my life span is extended by my periods of turning off and would in fact have been shortened if I weren't able to .

Post by **GT93** » February 18, 2015, 11:11 am

Yes, there must be exceptions to the general rule trubit. Loners would however need to be careful that they eat properly and don' hit the grog too much. A good relationship with a spouse probably diminishes the benefits from friends.

Post by **mathusalah80** » February 18, 2015, 11:15 am

stattointhailand wrote:
Aardvark wrote:Having a Pet can have the same affect ....
Unless the pet is called Earnest

Aardvark's post referred to PETS not PESTS, Statts

Your English is deteriorating badly

. Perhaps some lessons from JS would help

GT93. Spot on! =D>

Post by **trubrit** » February 18, 2015, 11:48 am

GT93 wrote:Yes, there must be exceptions to the general rule trubit. Loners would however need to be careful that they eat properly and don' hit the grog too much. A good relationship with a spouse probably diminishes the benefits from friends.

If I found myself resorting to doing either of those you suggest It would mean I am not truly comfortable of being alone and am doing so , purely as means of disguising my loneliness .I would agree with you that a special relationship with your wife is needed, especially if she is Thai as they seem to have a much stronger need for companionship than I do, so I don't impose my seclusion on mine , rather encourage it as long as it doesn't intrude into my space.