In a recent survey, a million people were asked how they live to the fullest, and close to 40% said that “family” is the most important part of living well.
Let's see what science says about the power of family.
According to a more than 70-year study at Harvard Medical School, "Happiness equals love—period." Psychiatrist George E. Vaillant stated that even when people are in good health and financially successful, they are not happy without a loving and supportive relationship.
Family dinners create winners
Recent research has shown that family dinners play a huge role in a child's success. In fact, students who eat with their families are less likely to be absent from school, and Cornell University researchers say that family dinners are associated with lower levels of depression in children.
The more generations the better Living with family can also contribute to the well-being of older people. According to a study by the University of Southern California, conducted in China, "Older parents who live with their children and grandchildren ... enjoy a better psychological state than those who live alone."
Happy marriage, healthier heart?
A study of 3.5 million men and women (about twice the population of Nebraska), by New York University Langone Medical Center found that regardless of age, gender, or risk factors, married people were less likely to have cardiovascular disease than single, divorced, or widowed women.
Dr. Bronwyn Harman of Edith Cowan University in Australia says that parents with four or more children are the happiest of those surveyed. According to this 5-year study of family satisfaction, the benefits of having a large family included mutual support and much less boredom than in small families. And, since older children help with the little ones, they develop a powerful sense of responsibility from an early age.
Historically, the family has been the foundation of all human societies, although the definition of family changes from one culture to another and from one era to another, one thing remains constant, the need to nurture. The remarkable experiments of psychologist Harry Harlow found that physical closeness during childhood is crucial for good mental and physical health.
The building blocks of culture and society stem from family. Without a strong family bond, it will be impossible for future generations to thrive. It makes sense that we are hard-wired to be healthier when we have a strong family. Having the loving bond that comes from a close-knit family helps to build the foundation of a healthy life. Keeping your family close will help you stay healthy!
Comments
Post a Comment