
A tale of two cities
March 9, 2022
The Future of Airlines and Air-travel Post Pandemic
March 9, 2022In most economically developing and developed countries, older adults represent the fastest-growing segment of the population. Social relationships are understood in terms of social participation, social support, and social networks. The benefits and costs of strong social relationships for well-being operate through physiological, behavioural, and psychological mechanisms (Tough, Siegrist, and Fekete 15). Tough, Siegrist, and Fekete further record that the processes particularly influence the health of individuals with greater physical vulnerability (15). The ageing population need to belong in social networks that are on par with their basic needs for sustenance, shelter, and safety. The ageing population have a greater physical vulnerability compared to the younger generation. They, therefore, need social relationships, critical in providing emotional, informational, and instrumental support.
Social relationships share capitalization, known as good personal news with others prolongs positive emotions that accompany good news. The ageing population should enjoy high levels of social contact, centred on family life. Holt-Lunstad reports that the four components of social relationships associated with the elderly population include playing a meaningful role in the lives of significant others, having a confidant, participating in social activities, and having contacts with family activities (449). Having a confidant and contacts with family ties significantly improves the survival rate of the elderly population. The effects of social relationships foster better health and function for the ageing population. As people get older and retire from their jobs and move to a new community, they need numerous opportunities to interact and have contact with their family members. Social relationships boost the immune system of the ageing population and protect them against illnesses. Specific health benefits of social relationships among the ageing population include reducing risk for mental health issues, lower blood pressure, and reducing risk for diseases like Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.
Works Cited
Holt-Lunstad, Julianne. “Why social relationships are important for physical health: A systems approach to understanding and modifying risk and protection.” Annual review of psychology 69 (2018): 437-458. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-122216-011902
Tough, Hannah, Johannes Siegrist, and Christine Fekete. “Social relationships, mental health and wellbeing in physical disability: a systematic review.” BMC Public Health 17.1 (2017): 1-18. https://doi.org10.1186/s12889-017-4308-6