Change and Live long happily

It’s time. This year, don’t give up on your resolution for a healthier, more-fit body. Use these five tips as encouragement to reach a slimmer, stronger you.
Pick the right diet—and stick to it for life. The bottom line: if you’re overweight, you have been eating too much of the wrong foods for too long. Many people think what they have eaten all their lives is healthy, normal and “good for them” just because they are not currently ill. Foods that contribute necessary calories but no nutrients must be eliminated from your shelves, refrigerator and shopping lists, forever–not for just a few weeks of so-called “dieting.”
Willpower isn’t voluntary, it’s absolutely necessary. If you don’t have it naturally, drum it up. You cannot buy willpower, and you don’t get it from your parents or your friends. Every time you feel discouraged and want to slack off or quit, don’t be afraid to shake off the temptation. Then come back with a proper attitude, one that says your goals of good health and an admirable physique are valuable, worthy of pursuit and attainable.
Eat to prevent hunger, not to satisfy it. Waiting until you are ravenous before eating is one of the main reasons for overeating and for eating the wrong foods such as fast foods, over-salted, over-sugared and processed foods. The obvious solution is to eat often enough that you never become hungry, perhaps five or six times per day. Nutritious meals, no larger than the combined volume of your two fists, should be seen as fuel to power whatever activity you are going to do next. This rule is the easy way to remember how much food you should have at any one sitting. You do not, and should not, have to waste your time counting calories.

Get up and get out, no matter what. It has been estimated that as much as 70 percent of the “shaping up” process is nutritional, and the other 30 percent is activity level. If you already do some cardiovascular work, such as aerobics or running, congratulations! If that is beyond your present level, you can easily start with a jogging program. Still too much? If you are sedentary, start with a walking program that works up to 45 minutes three or four times per week. Next, start to incorporate jogging and eventually move onto running and strength training. Start slowly and do not give up. If you’re really struggling, don’t shrink back to the couch. Instead, make activity more enjoyable with a partner or small group who share your goals.
Cut the crap. Fitness isn’t about having the time, it’s about making the time. If you don’t take the time to become healthier and more active, you may be ensuring disease enters your life later. Pencil in training times with other daily activities and make workouts as normal as brushing your teeth. This type of resolve takes dedication and gumption. Think of your walking, jogging and gym time as a hobby–something that you look forward to, not a chore. Something else, like watching hours of TV, may have to take a back seat to your new habits.

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How College Life is Affected by Greek Life

There are a lot of factors that can affect the impact of the Greek system on a college campus:

• The type of Greek system
• The size of the overall college campus
• The percentage of students in fraternities and sororities
• When rush takes place

Greek houses can play very different roles in college life. We encourage you to examine carefully what type of college will work best for you, and whether the presence or absence of a Greek system is a factor in your decision.

What is Greek life?

Greek systems consist of co-ed and, mostly, single-sex fraternities and sororities. Most of them use Greek letters, such as Sigma Phi Epsilon, to designate the name of the house. Some also go by school-specific nicknames. Depending on the school, they may or may not play a large role in student life.
Many fraternities and sororities are part of national, privately run organizations, such as the Delta Delta Delta ("Tri-Delt") sorority. Others were established locally on campuses, or left the national group to become independent. Often these houses split off from their national system due to differences over racial integration, social policies, or other issues during the latter half of the twentieth century. Some local houses rejoined their national system when the nationals changed their policies to become more progressive.

Campus housing and Greek life

Greek houses are so-called because they often serve as residential living and social environments for members. This was part of their original purpose in a time when many colleges did not maintain campus housing, including their own dormitories or dining halls. Fraternities and sororities offered a place for students to live, study, socialize, and eat. Often they hired cooks and housekeeping staff, paid for by members' dues.
Many houses no longer have in-house cooks or dining and some Greek organizations are not residential. Members live in college housing or off-campus, but belong to what is essentially a social and service organization. In some cases, colleges will own the house of a Greek organization; in others, the fraternity or sorority, or its national corporation, will own the house and be responsible for maintaining it.

Evaluating Greek impact on college life

Students shaping their college list or heading off to college need to watch for the pitfalls and benefits of Greek houses. You should be concerned about rushing a house too early in your first year. You should ask about non-Greek social opportunities on and near campus, and about the overall percentage of students affiliated with a house. You should look for student life alternatives to Greeks, such as social clusters built around college residence halls, as have been instituted in various forms at places like Bowdoin and Colby Colleges.
Look carefully at systems that might not be Greek in name, but which in many respects are similar, such as the Eating Clubs at Princeton. Think about how a fraternity or sorority could help make college life friendlier for you and provide a niche at a big university such as the University of Michigan. But think also about how you will feel if you enroll at Michigan and are not offered a bid by a house. Would you still want to be there, and could you deal with the social outcomes of being non-affiliated?

Is Greek life right for you?

There is no absolute right or wrong when it comes to fraternities and sororities; we encourage you to ask good questions and make as informed a choice as possible in building your college list and deciding whether you will join a house when you enroll in college.
By Howard and Matthew Greene, hosts of two PBS college-planning programs and authors of the Greenes' Guides to Educational Planning series and other books.

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Should Your College Life Include Greek Life?

Many students are predisposed either for or against not only joining a Greek organization, but even attending a college at which Greeks have a presence. Many stereotypes and mythologies abound, most having to do with the "Animal House" image of frats or the "Southern Belle" reputation of sororities.

Some of you might be sure that you want to join a house in order to find social bonding, parties, post-college networking opportunities, and a nice campus housing option. Others might be certain that Greeks are all bad and don't want to go near a campus that sponsors them.
We aren't going to solve the debate over whether fraternities and sororities are good or bad. Both of us were members of fraternities and had very good experiences with them in a traditional campus setting where Greek houses continue to play an important, but not overbearing role. Instead, let us lay out some ways to look at Greek systems so that you can evaluate them for yourself and decide what, if any, role they will play in your college life.

Stereotypes about Greek life

First of all, most stereotypes are only partially true. Yes, Greek houses (and fraternities in particular) are often a place for big-time partying on campuses that have at least moderately sized systems. That's where a lot of the drinking takes place, where bands play, and where pre- and post-game parties happen.
However, most Greek organizations also contribute to college life in other ways. They host academic speakers, provide educational and counseling services, engage in an enormous amount of community service, raise money for local and national causes, and enroll many campus leaders and athletes as members.
We believe that partying, drinking, and drugs are present on most campuses, Greek or not. Substance abuse and an anti-intellectual or sexist culture are not caused by Greeks, though in some cases these issues can be exacerbated by them. When considering the role of fraternities and sororities on campus — and whether to join one — you should talk with current students about the reputation and culture of the Greek houses at that college.

Greek influence on college life

There are a few factors that determine the relevance and influence of Greeks on any campus. One is the overall percentage of students that join. Twenty to thirty percent of the student body represents a moderate level of Greek involvement. Fifty percent is a much more dominant and significant proportion.
Another issue is the size of the college's student body overall. In a small college of 2,000 students, a 40-percent Greek population makes for a very strong impact on student life and campus culture. There will likely be very few other social outlets on campus beyond Greek life. At a university of 20,000 students, 40-percent Greek participation still leaves 12,000 individuals who are not affiliated with a fraternity or sorority.
A related factor is the location of the campus. A college or university in the city, whatever its size, will allow students many more social opportunities than an institution located in a small town or rural area. Those urban social and cultural choices will mitigate the influence of any Greek system.

Greek life and rush

The timing of fraternity and sorority rush (when students campaign to join a house) can strongly affect the influence of the system on residential and social life. We are still amazed by the many colleges and universities that allow rush during freshman fall, or even before classes start.
Greek houses are exclusive by nature, even though some colleges have houses that maintain open enrollment or guarantee that all students who rush will be offered at least one bid. One of the best ways for colleges to maintain a Greek presence but decrease their influence is to move rush back to freshman spring or even sophomore year. Sophomore rush can lead to a less socially pressured and exclusive freshman year, a more well-considered rush, and a smaller overall percentage of affiliated students.

Campus housing and Greek life

For those of you leaning toward joining, you should note that some colleges have only non-residential Greek organizations. Either the college banned residential houses, or the houses developed at a later stage and did not play a strong role historically in providing campus housing. In any case, non-residential houses tend to have less of a social impact on student life because members continue to live in college housing, especially during their first two years of college.
Sometimes, depending on college housing policies and the school's location, members might then join with a few friends to rent an off-campus apartment. However, this is not the same as 30–50 students or more living together in an exclusive fraternity or sorority house in the central part of campus.

You make the decision about your college life

Ultimately, only you can decide if a fraternity or sorority is right for you. The best opinion, however, is an informed opinion. Before you begin to lean in one direction or the other, look into what the Greek system is like at the schools you are considering. From there, you can figure out if you want to rush…or rush in the other direction.
By Howard and Matthew Greene, hosts of two PBS college-planning programs and authors of the Greenes' Guides to Educational Planning series and other books

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Consider the Student Body's Effect on College Life and Campus Housing

Ever hear somebody say that college life was one of their best experiences? Most likely, that has a lot to do with the friends they made along the way. Whether it's in class or campus housing, part of the fun of college is meeting new people — and regardless of where you go, you are going to make friends.

Keep in mind that not all colleges are the same, and neither are their students, which means that student life will vary with each school. Large schools and those in large cities are more likely to enroll students from a wide range of ethnic, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. Others, especially small schools and those in rural locations, tend to have a more homogeneous student body.
Give some thought to the type of people you want around, where they may be from, or how many are male versus female. It's also OK to think about what sort of values the students and the schools reflect. If you're conservative, a more liberal college may make you uncomfortable (unless you're looking for a chance to learn about others' experiences and perspectives), or vice versa. The people you meet during your college years will influence you in ways you may not even imagine!

Campus vibe provides a perspective on college life

While on campus visits, take a good look around. Get a sense of how students are dressed, how crowded the common areas seem, and whether the campus seems lively or a little on the slow side. What do you see? Do you notice a lot of Greek life jackets, Birkenstocks, pink hair and nose rings, or a little of everything? If everyone seems cut from the same cloth, decide if you're more comfortable with uniformity or individual expression. These are important things to consider — you want to find an environment where you can express your personality freely.

Student life and the gender ratio

Most schools are coed, with a balance of male and female students, but some still lean in one direction or the other. You may want to consider whether you want to go to a school with a fairly equal gender ratio or a school that has a significantly higher percentage of one gender than the other. Another option is a women-only or men-only college.
Another aspect to the gender balance that you may want to think about is how it affects college housing. Do male and female students live in different buildings or just on different floors? Do they live on the same floor in different rooms? Do they share bathrooms? The answers to these questions might help you decide how comfortable you are with a school.

College life allows you to experience cultural diversity

One of the coolest things about college is getting the chance to meet and learn from people of all cultures. Do you want to be around lots of different people with a variety of accents and traditions, or does familiarity make you the most comfortable? Most schools will have some level of diversity, but the bigger and more urban the school, the more diverse it is likely to be.
Meeting new people or seeing familiar faces
There are quite a few colleges that draw the locals, resulting in a larger amount of commuter students and a greater chance that if you're a local too, you may run into some familiar faces. On the other hand, schools that enroll tons of out-of-state students may provide an opportunity to forge new friendships from the ground up with people from all over the country. Do you have a preference? Maybe you and your best friend want to stick close to home — or meet new friends at an out-of-state university.
Benefiting from familiarity and diversity
Many large universities, although diverse, have groups of people with similar backgrounds living together in campus housing, either by accident or by design. For example, one university places students majoring in certain areas into the same dorms. These living communities allow for easier studying and facilitate quicker social connections, since many of the students have classes together. On campuses like this, you can enjoy familiarity and diversity!
The student body can affect your college experience
It may not matter too much to you what types of people attend the college that you go to, but be sure that you check things out enough that you don't find yourself surrounded by people that you just can't relate to. College should be fun and full of great interactions, not spent holed up in your room avoiding people.

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How is the life of an immigrant in the USA ?

Preparing the mood, the language and the professional certification, will allow the immigrant who enters into the United States through the legal way, to get a job appropriately remunerated, which will let him or her, not only to access to privileges and benefits that the American system provides, but also, to a better life quality.

Immigrant, language knowledge, legal immigrant, living as an immigrant.

The situation in the United States of America after September 11 of 2001 has become extremely tough, basically, for national security matters. This is why it is not recommended to come as an illegal, because you never know when the Immigration Service might caught you; they will send you to jail, summit you under a trial and deport you back your origin country, losing everything you might have got, including you house, car, present and future, been forced to start over.

 

 you think there is a chance to become legal, it is a very remote possibility, almost inexistent; because it would mean that the Congress would have to regulate, not only your situation, but the situation of millions of undocumented people, which makes it unviable, even though, sometimes it is referred to as if it was true.

It must be told to people who want to live in the United States that, there, only the ones who have money travel to make tourism, the ones who does not, must work, because you might earn well, but you also spend well.

The development of an immigrant’s life in the American territory will depend in how well he or she prepared for this trip, looking to get to know the costumes and zone’s idiosyncrasy, the rules and laws that must be obeyed, the language and the frame of mind the person has to handle the American environment.

The one who wants to come must be mentally prepared to handle whatever might come, and not think that because he or she is already in the United States, his or her future is solved, there must be consciousness about the individualistic behavior of the people here and that everything goes around work, credit and savings.

This is why it is vital that when a person decides to migrate to the United States, has already found a job, because the United States of America does not admit people because they want to work, but because they have accomplished an American company to offer them a position, because the company thinks they are the ideal candidate. In this way, the migration becomes legal, increasing the chances to progress and achieve goals.

Another very important aspect is the command of the English language, because the better job opportunities and better pay ones are in the zones in which the predominant language is English; besides, it allows you to increase your relationships circle, which, at some point, might help you to improve your working situation.

Once in the United States, the immigrant, as everybody else who comes to live to a new city, the first thing that he or she must do is to become aware of how it is distributed to be able to be located and move around it.

Immediately after arriving, the driver’s license must be obtained, as well as the State I.D and the State Identification Number, which will have the same number and which are valid for the time the given visa lasts. If we are forced to return to our country of origin, whenever we return to the United States, we only have to renew it and it age will include the previous time of residency.

Remember that each state emits its own license and State I.D and are recognized all over the country, because the federal government does not emit them. After 9 / 11, the immigrant must proof his or her migratory situation to obtain the driver’s license, which, in the end, functions as a legal identification document.

Also, been an immigrant with an authorization to work, means that the person must process a social security number, which will allow the access to a series of benefits provided by the state and / or federal government.

If the immigrant has difficulties, he or she can turn to non – governmental entities, for health matters mainly, because if he or she turns to the government, it is probable that, later, some trouble with the permanent residency might occur.

Summing up, the life of an immigrant is pretty tough and with less chances if he or she is not properly prepared in the command of English and the procedure to access to the United States.

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Adult Day Care Services: USA perspective

With life expectancy rising, more and more of us find we need assistance as we age. Adult day care centers are designed for older adults who can no longer manage independently, or who are isolated and lonely. They
enable seniors to socialize with others while still receiving needed care services. At the same time, they offer caregivers a break from caregiving duties while knowing that their loved one is in good hands.

What is an adult day care center?

Adult day care is a planned program of activities designed to promote well-being though social and health-related services. Adult day care centers operate during daytime hours, Monday through Friday, in a safe, supportive, cheerful environment. Nutritious meals that accommodate special diets are typically included, along with an afternoon snack.
Adult day care centers can be public or private, non-profit or for-profit. The intent of an adult day center is primarily two-fold:

• To provide older adults an opportunity to get out of the house and receive both mental and social stimulation
• To give caregivers a much-needed break in which to attend to personal needs, or simply rest and relax

Regulation of adult day care centers

According to the National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA), there are currently more than 4,600 adult day care centers in the United States. Each state provides different regulations for the operation of adult day care centers, although NADSA offers some overall guidelines in its Standards and Guidelines for Adult Day Care.
NADSA recommends a minimum staff-to-participant ratio of one to six. This ratio can be even smaller, depending upon the level of participant impairment. If a program serves a large proportion of participants with dementia, for example, the ratio of staff to participants should be closer to one to four.

Staffing of adult day care centers

Though each adult day care center is staffed according to the needs of its participants, most programs operate with:

• Activity staff, usually an activity director and assistants
• Program assistants who aid with personal care
• A social worker
• A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse
• A center director
• Centers that serve a large number of participants may also employ a driver, secretary, and accountant

Source: National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA)

Adult day care center vs. adult day health care

A social adult day care center differs from adult day health care, which usually requires a health assessment by a physician before someone is admitted into the program. Adult day health centers, which typically use the term "Adult Day Health Care" (ADHC) in their names, often provide physical, occupational, and speech therapy, and are usually staffed with an RN and other health professionals. A third type of day care provides social and health services specifically for seniors with Alzheimer's or a related type of dementia.

Services provided by adult day care centers

A well-run adult day care center's goals will focus on enriching the participants' lives, building upon their skills, knowledge, and unique abilities and strengths. Below are some of the activities that may be available:

• Arts and crafts
• Musical entertainment and sing-a-longs
• Mental stimulation games such as bingo
• Stretching or other gentle exercise
• Discussion groups (books, films, current events)
• Holiday and birthday celebrations
• Local outings

Some centers offer programs that include children. The Friendship Center in California, for example, developed The GOLD Project where older adults are encouraged to visit local classrooms and share their life experiences with the children, educating and enlivening both groups in the process. The Center also has an "Adventuresome Aging" program for people with early stage Alzheimer's disease, to help them remain engaged and active in the community.
Besides recreational activities, some adult day care centers provide transportation to and from the center, social services including counseling and support groups for caregivers, and health support services such as blood pressure monitoring and vision screening.

Benefits of adult day care

Almost Family, an adult day care center provider in both the U.S. and Canada, summarizes the benefits of adult day care well: "Adult day care offers a win/win situation for everyone in the family—not only the client or member who attends the program, but also for the family member who has primary responsibility as caregiver. Adult day care provides a much-needed respite for the caregiver, affording a break from the physical demands and stress of providing round-the-clock care."
For the participant, an adult day care center's benefits can be extensive:

• A safe, secure environment in which to spend the day
• Enjoyable and educational activities
• Improvement in mental and physical health
• Enhanced or maintained level of independence
• Socialization and peer support
• Nutritious meals and snacks

Is an adult day care center right for me?

Good candidates for adult day care centers are seniors who:

• Can benefit from the friendship and functional assistance a day care center offers
• May be physically or cognitively challenged but do not require 24-hour supervision
• Are in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease
• Are mobile, with the possible assistance of a cane, walker, or wheelchair
• Are continent (in most cases)

When to opt for an adult day care center

As a senior, it can be challenging to admit that you need help, especially if you've been a highly independent person used to caring for others all your life. And if you're the caregiver, it may be equally difficult to consider allowing "strangers" to care for your beloved family member.
As with any service, the best time to start exploring what's available is before you actually need it. According to ElderCare Online, you should seriously consider using adult day care when a senior:

• Can no longer structure his or her own daily activities
• Is isolated and desires companionship
• Can't be safely left alone at home
• Lives with someone who works outside the home or who is frequently away from home for other reasons

Finding the right adult day center for your family's needs

The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) recommends you start by asking yourself what specific services both the senior adult and the caregiver need most. For the day care participant, are social activities primary? Assistance with walking, eating or medications? Mental stimulation? Exercise? As a caregiver, is support what you need most? Some free time? Help with transportation? Answering these questions will help you determine which of the three main types of adult day care centers (social, health-focused, and Alzheimer's/dementia oriented) will best serve you.

Where to locate adult day care centers 

In addition to the links in the Resources section below, you can also try:

• Your family doctor
• Local social services or health department
• Mental health centers
• Local senior center
• Area Agency on Aging in the U.S. (Call 1-800-677-1116 for the AAA in your area)
• Yellow Pages listings under Adult Day Care, Aging Services, Senior Citizens' Services, and similar categories

 

Questions to ask an adult day care center provider

When you contact the adult day care center(s) you've chosen to consider, NADSA suggests asking the following questions:

• Who owns or sponsors the adult day care center?
• How long has it been operating?
• Is it licensed or certified? (If required in your country or state)
• What are the days and hours of operation?
• Is transportation to and from the adult day care center provided?
• Which conditions are accepted (e.g., memory loss, limited mobility, incontinence)?
• What are the staff's credentials, and what is the ratio of staff to participants?
• What activities are offered? Are there a variety of individual and group programs?
• Are meals and snacks included? Are special diets accommodated?

Visiting an adult day care center

Spend a day at the adult day care center that sounds best to you, so that you can get a "feel" for the people and the environment. Also, check out references. Talk to others who have used the adult day care center and ask for their opinions. 
You may wish to try out different adult day care centers a few times each to see whether your experience on different days confirms your initial impressions. Be sure to bring the following site visit checklist with you each time:

Adult day care center site visit checklist:

• Did you feel welcome?
• Were the center services and activities properly explained?
• Were you given information regarding staffing, programming, and costs?
• Is the facility clean, pleasant, and free of odor?
• Is the building and site wheelchair accessible?
• Is the furniture sturdy and comfortable?
• Are there loungers and chairs with arms for relaxation?
• Is there a quiet place in the center?
• Did the staff and participants seem cheerful and comfortable?
• Are participants involved in planning activities?

Source: National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA)
 

 

 

Costs and financial assistance for adult day care

In the U.S., the average cost for an adult day care center is about $64 per day, depending on where you live and the services provided (e.g., meals, transportation, nursing supervision). Professional health care services will mean higher fees. Many facilities offer services on a sliding fee scale, meaning that what you pay is based on your income and ability to pay.

While Medicare does not cover adult day care centers, Medicaid will pay most or all of the costs in licensed adult day health care settings and Alzheimer's-focused centers, for participants with very low income and few assets. Be sure to ask about financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Private medical insurance policies sometimes cover a portion of adult day care center costs when licensed medical professionals are involved in the care. Long-term care insurance may also pay for adult day services, depending on the policy. Additionally, dependent-care tax credits may be available to you as caregiver.

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11 Facts About American Eating Habits: Changing trends

1. In a recent study, 52 percent of Americans (that were polled) believed doing their taxes was easier than figuring out how to eat healthy.
    
2. Only 3 in 10 Americans believe that all sources of calories play an equal role in weight gain.
    
3. 75 percent of Americans say they choose products that are lower in total fat at least sometimes.
    
4. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that in 2011 the average American consumed nearly one ton of food. That’s 1,996 pounds of food a year.
   
5. The 2011 study also revealed some other interesting numbers. Americans ate:
   • 632 lbs. of dairy products – 31.4 lbs. of that is cheese.
   • 415.4 lbs. of vegetables. The most popular choices are corn and potatoes. 29 pounds of those veggies are french fries.
   • 273 lbs. of fruit. Mostly apples and oranges.
   • 183.6 lbs. of meat and poultry. 60.4 lbs. is chicken. 62.4 lbs. is beef. 16.1 lbs. is fish/shellfish.
   • 141.6 lbs. of sweeteners. And 53 gallons of soda.
      
6. 20 percent of all American meals are eaten in the car.
   
7. At least 1 in 4 people eat some type of fast food every day.
    
8. Americans consume 31 percent more packaged food than fresh food.
    
9. Healthiness of the food we eat decreases by 1.7 percent for every hour that passes in the day.
    
10. Over 10 billion donuts are consumed in the US every year.
    
11. Americans spend 10 percent of their disposable income on fast food every year.

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Close friend, family relationships boost survival in USA

Family and friends may do more than provide companionship: They also may boost your longevity, making as much of a difference as not smoking, a new analysis of studies suggests.

Researchers combined the results of 148 studies and estimated that people with strong personal relationships are 50% more likely than others to survive over a specific period of time.

The analysis doesn't prove that relationships directly help people live longer, but it seems clear that "our relationships come with more than just emotional benefits," said study author Julianne Holt-Lunstad, an associate professor of psychology at Brigham Young University.

"They can influence our longevity and our health," she added.

The study is published in the July issue of PLoS medicine.

Holt-Lunstad and colleagues examined studies involving 308,849 people on the effects of relationships — such as those with friends, family, roommates and spouses — on life span. The studies, conducted in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, followed people for an average of 7.5 years.

The 50% number held up even when researchers adjusted their figures for factors such as age and health status.

 

 

Holt-Lunstad said the study researchers didn't calculate how much longer those with the relationships lived, nor what percentage of them died during the study periods.

But it did appear that strong relationships had an effect comparable to that of quitting smoking and a greater effect than known risk factors such as obesity and alcohol abuse, she said.

The challenge now is to put this information to good use, said the authors, who noted that in this era of technology, the quantity and quality of relationships seems to be decreasing.

 

 

Sonja Lyubomirsky, a psychology professor who studies happiness at the University of California at Riverside, said friends and family can affect your health in a variety of ways. "They help support good health habits: They remind us to put that seat belt on and ask us about that pain we've had, have we had that checked out? That may be the biggest factor."

 

 

Relationships may also reduce stress and boost the immune system, she said.

Or, it could be that people with more relationships live longer because "they're healthier to begin with: They could be more active and have more energy to engage in social activities," she said.

But other factors may also play a role, and it may be impossible to ever definitively say that more social relationships translate to longer lifespans, she said.

When scientists want to know if one thing causes another, they often turn to the gold standard of research: They randomly assign people to groups — maybe one gets a medication and one doesn't — and see what happens.

But, "you can never do a experiment where you isolate 100 people and then take 100 people and give them lots of friends," she said.

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