Close ties with children and other family members appeared to have no impact on longer survival rates. But for those participants with a very strong personal network of close friends and confidents, survival rates were much higher than those with weaker ties to friends. While factors such as socioeconomic status, health, and lifestyle were figured into the results the outstanding factor appeared to be the network of friends. Life changes such as the death of a spouse or relocation of friends appeared to make little difference as contact was maintained.
Why would a strong network of friends make such a difference? Friends operate on a different level than family. Children often have little influence over habits such as drinking and smoking while the opinions of friends (peers) weigh much greater in importance. Family ties are often maintained out of a sense of obligation, while friendships are a matter of choice.
What do the results of this study mean for the baby-boomers who are soon entering the ranks of senior citizens? If you are anticipating leaving the work force, in the next few years you will need to think about what to do with your time. Many have spent so much time building a career that friendships are often pushed to the backburner. If you have not built up a network of friends you may find retirement a lonely time.
Plan for retirement before it happens. Take up a hobby or join a group that interests you. Those types of activities will bring you into contact with many people who share the same interests and could become lifelong friends, friends for a long lifetime.
