Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis
I read a fascinating piece from Blue Zones, which is an organization that identifies areas of the world where people live the longest. The article was about the phenomena of moai (a Japanese word pronounced “mo-eye”). A moai is a group of lifelong friends or a social support group that forms to support one another’s social, financial, health, and spiritual interests. Research being done in the Blue Zones to determine the cause of longevity. They call their findings the lifestyle of longevity. In Okinawa, one of five Blue Zones, people frequently live into the 100’s and the tradition of moai is robust. On average, Okinawan women live eight years longer than American women. What does this tell us about the importance of having a support group? Whether it is a Sunday school class, bridge club, walking/golfing buddies, regular happy hours with friends, or a coffee klatch, it is essential to our health and wellbeing!
Professor Lisa Berkman of Harvard University is an expert in social connectedness and longevity. One of her studies looked into the connection between marital status, ties with friends and relatives, club membership, level of volunteerism, and greater longevity. The study found that the type of connection was irrelevant. Whether it was a spousal relationship or a tight-knit friend group, all that mattered was the bond the group shared. First, you’ll experience less stress. The stress of loneliness can decrease your life expectancy by eight years. In Okinawa, members of a moai experience the stress-shedding security of knowing that there is always someone there for them. Second, you’ll be happier. Each happy friend you add to your network increases your happiness by 15%. Third, older people without close friends are more likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, and depression. If you don’t have a moai, make it your goal to join one or create your own.
Comments