Researchers at San Francisco’s University of California have discovered that loneliness is a huge contributor to elderly people’s life expectancy and obviously, their quality of life. Therefore, scientists have concluded that spending as much time with you mum as possible won’t just make her happy, it may also extend her life. Seems like a legit reason to visit your mumma, right?
The study was based on 1,600 adults with an average age of 71. It found that people who were lonely had consistently higher death rates. Almost 23% of lonely people studied died within 6 years, opposed to the 14% who had loved ones around them.
Barbara Moscowitz, senior geriatric social worker at Massachusetts General Hospital, told The New York Times,
The need we’ve had our entire lives—people who know us, value us, who bring us joy—that never goes away.
As depressing as it is, it makes sense to think that elderly people who have no companionship, have nothing to hang on to. Particularly mothers, as being a mum gives a lot of women a great sense of purpose and belonging.
There are also heaps of other benefits to hanging out with your mum. Think about how good it is to have a nice home cooked meal, some genuine advice and reminiscing about your childhood. Also – NOTHING beats a hug from Mum!
For more new research, click here.
Image Sources: GIPHY, Twitter (@KennyQueeen)
