We've all been there: some kind-hearted friend or relative gives us well-meaning advice on living a healthier lifestyle. Usually, this involves exercising more, dieting and cutting out bad habits like smoking.

Of course, there are many scientifically proven benefits to exercising and having healthier dietary choices.

That said, there's something else that we need to do in order to live as healthily as we can for as long as possible: socialising!

That doesn't mean you should start going to the bars every night. Professor Rose Anne Kenny, a world-renowned Geriatrician at Trinity College Dublin, has recently shared her expert opinion on the matter.

Speaking on a podcast about the subject, Professor Kenny pointed out that social interaction, friendship, and even 'having a good laugh' are just as important for staying as healthy as possible when we're older.

'When we deny ourselves that exposure, the effect is, in fact, as bad as, as toxic as anything you can get, biologically,' she said.

Having a good laugh is just as important for remaining healthy well into old age. Credit: Shutterstock.

The professor added that spending time with those we care about can also help mitigate cognitive decline and dementia.

Many studies have already demonstrated a link between a person's risk of developing memory-impacting conditions and how much time they spend being lonely. Feel free to read more about this in one of our previous articles.

What's more, Professor Kenny said that loneliness causes chronic inflammation, the 'underlying biological dysfunction' responsible for some of our biggest killers today, such as cancer, heart disease, and strokes.

What's her advice when it comes to this matter? Spend as much energy on building your relationships as you do on anything else in your lifestyle.

That doesn't mean establishing a dozen personal connections; it's more about the quality of your relationships, not the quantity.

In other words, the key lies in surrounding yourself with people who radiate positive energy and uplift and inspire you.

This can be accomplished in many ways: You might consider attending workshops or exercise classes, participating in volunteer opportunities, or joining local clubs and groups to connect with fresh faces.

Making an effort to connect with people and enjoy meaningful social engagements could do more than simply make us smile; it could be the key to a longer and healthier life.

So, the next time someone tells you to watch what you eat and exercise more, you can confidently respond that there is another extremely important element to consider: building relationships and engaging in meaningful social activities.

Key Takeaways

• Professor Rose Anne Kenny, a Geriatrician at Trinity College Dublin, has identified social engagement, friendship, and laughter as vital as diet and exercise for maintaining health into old age.
• Professor Kenny said that spending time with friends and family can mitigate against cognitive decline and dementia.
• She added that chronic loneliness triggers inflammation, an underlying biological dysfunction associated with major diseases like cancer, heart disease, strokes and dementia.
• Professor Kenny stressed the importance of the quality of social relationships, saying that strained or unpleasant engagements can trigger a stress process, and recommended activities involving group interactions, such as volunteering or joining local groups.

We hope you found this insightful, members! Truly, there are plenty of benefits to having people you love and can count on surrounding you.

So what do you think? Do you have a few ideas in mind for socialising? Share them with us in the comments below!

 

[Babybird]

We've all been there: some kind-hearted friend or relative gives us well-meaning advice on living a healthier lifestyle. Usually, this involves exercising more, dieting and cutting out bad habits like smoking.

Of course, there are many scientifically proven benefits to exercising and having healthier dietary choices.

That said, there's something else that we need to do in order to live as healthily as we can for as long as possible: socialising!

That doesn't mean you should start going to the bars every night. Professor Rose Anne Kenny, a world-renowned Geriatrician at Trinity College Dublin, has recently shared her expert opinion on the matter.

Speaking on a podcast about the subject, Professor Kenny pointed out that social interaction, friendship, and even 'having a good laugh' are just as important for staying as healthy as possible when we're older.

'When we deny ourselves that exposure, the effect is, in fact, as bad as, as toxic as anything you can get, biologically,' she said.

View attachment 29454

Having a good laugh is just as important for remaining healthy well into old age. Credit: Shutterstock.

The professor added that spending time with those we care about can also help mitigate cognitive decline and dementia.

Many studies have already demonstrated a link between a person's risk of developing memory-impacting conditions and how much time they spend being lonely. Feel free to read more about this in one of our previous articles.

What's more, Professor Kenny said that loneliness causes chronic inflammation, the 'underlying biological dysfunction' responsible for some of our biggest killers today, such as cancer, heart disease, and strokes.

What's her advice when it comes to this matter? Spend as much energy on building your relationships as you do on anything else in your lifestyle.

That doesn't mean establishing a dozen personal connections; it's more about the quality of your relationships, not the quantity.

In other words, the key lies in surrounding yourself with people who radiate positive energy and uplift and inspire you.

This can be accomplished in many ways: You might consider attending workshops or exercise classes, participating in volunteer opportunities, or joining local clubs and groups to connect with fresh faces.

Making an effort to connect with people and enjoy meaningful social engagements could do more than simply make us smile; it could be the key to a longer and healthier life.

So, the next time someone tells you to watch what you eat and exercise more, you can confidently respond that there is another extremely important element to consider: building relationships and engaging in meaningful social activities.

Key Takeaways

• Professor Rose Anne Kenny, a Geriatrician at Trinity College Dublin, has identified social engagement, friendship, and laughter as vital as diet and exercise for maintaining health into old age.
• Professor Kenny said that spending time with friends and family can mitigate against cognitive decline and dementia.
• She added that chronic loneliness triggers inflammation, an underlying biological dysfunction associated with major diseases like cancer, heart disease, strokes and dementia.
• Professor Kenny stressed the importance of the quality of social relationships, saying that strained or unpleasant engagements can trigger a stress process, and recommended activities involving group interactions, such as volunteering or joining local groups.

We hope you found this insightful, members! Truly, there are plenty of benefits to having people you love and can count on surrounding you.

So what do you think? Do you have a few ideas in mind for socialising? Share them with us in the comments below!

Wesley mission have social outings in various areas for seniors
Seniors social hub...bus outings etc.
Indoor games BBQ,
Movies
And training courses

Same applies with anglicare for over 55 age group.



Wesley Seniors club
For Sydney, Newcastle
Fairfield
Tuggerah

 

[Trudi]

I very much prefer my own company than that of most other people! I get far too bored when I'm around other people.