Ode to my friends

Just saw a video about people who lived beyond seventies and eighties. They were studied over a period of time and the results are amazing but not surprising. The usual markers for a long life, i.e. good health, exercise, eating healthy are were all there at the bottom of the graph.

Guess which were the two top markers that helped these people live a long and healthy life? Close relationships and social settings. Your family, people who you can approach in times of need, people who would take you to hospital in case of an emergency. Your children and grand children.

Then your social network. How many people do you call everyday. How many people you meet everyday or in a week? How many times you go out with your friends? These were the factors that contributed most in prolonging your life.

It is so sad to see so many seniors living a life of isolation. They don’t have visitors and they quietly wither away. Watch any granny with her grand children. You will find a youthful face, twinkling g eyes and a huge grin on her face. See a bunch of middle-aged ladies in a bar or restaurant giggling away like schoolgirls. That is what keeps you happy and help in your long life. You may criticize the ‘Kitty Party’ culture but those ladies there enjoy themselves and come back recharged. We have become so busy in our race for prosperity that we have forgotten the true happiness in the time we spend with our friends. 

There is an adage, ‘it takes a village to bring up a child.’ That is so true. The bonds that you form in these relationships are your lifelines. People like us, immigrants, leave our families and set of friends back home. When we come here, we feel so depressed because we don’t know a soul. Then, slowly we form friendships and they give us the strength to face the struggle in a new country. These friends become your family.

So remember these markers and remain in touch with your friends and family back home. My husband and one of his friends have been friends for the last forty years and he still keeps in touch. It is a blessing I would say. Thanks to Facebook, I found my school friends and it was like getting a lottery.

Needless to say, I have a wonderful set of friends who have been my strength in my times of need and I am grateful for that. I go out with my girl friends at least once a month and have friends over. I know I am repeating myself but I had to share these markers with you.

Happy friendship!!!

So be it!!!