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Relationships & Connections Archive

Articles

The buddy system

Published April 1, 2023

Loneliness is one of the greatest health risks facing older adults. The antidote to loneliness is more social engagement. Developing new friendships and maintaining existing ones is one of the best ways for people to remain socially active. Recreating the environments and settings where men first built long-lasting friendships, like the workplace and sports, can help them find friends and expand their social circle.

Can varied social interactions boost well-being?

Published April 1, 2023

A 2022 study suggested that having diverse social interactions is linked to improved happiness and well-being. In other words, it appears to be helpful to interact with family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers; the more varied the interactions are, the better.

3 ways to create community and counter loneliness

Published March 8, 2023

Loneliness boosts risk for many health problems, and can even contribute to an early death. Many people find it hard to reach out to make new friends, but there are strategies that can help.

What is frontotemporal dementia?

Published February 22, 2023

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a brain disorder caused by damage to nerves in certain parts of the brain. It typically affects people in middle age, and is characterized by marked changes in behavior or problems with language.

Why play? Early games build bonds and brain

Published February 2, 2023

More than a million nerve connections are made in the brain in the first few years of life. Babies and young children thrive with responsive caregiving, such as engaging a child in playful games that change as they grow.

You don’t say? The smell of love

Published February 1, 2023

Pheromones, the "love chemical," are produced by many animals and insects to attract the opposite sex. It’s possible that humans also may make and process pheromones through vomeronasal organs in our noses.

Finding a higher meaning

Published January 1, 2023

As people age, they are more likely to explore a religious or spiritual practice. Research has found that this type of engagement is linked to longer life and a lower risk of serious health issues. These practices also can offer comfort and support if and when a person needs to navigate difficult times.

Holiday arguments brewing? Here’s how to defuse them

Published December 14, 2022

The holidays are supposed to be filled with love, laughter, and good cheer. Unfortunately, joyous celebration often deteriorates into discord when family and friends gather during the season. But you don’t have to get drawn into arguments if you plan ahead and stay alert for potential triggers.

Sibling rivalry is normal — but is it helpful or harmful?

Published December 6, 2022

Sibling rivalry is a remarkably normal feature of family life, but too much squabbling and competition can be hurtful, and can have lasting effects on children. What can parents do to manage this when it happens in their family?

Break free from 3 self-sabotaging ANTs — automatic negative thoughts

Published November 8, 2022

Automatic negative thoughts are reactions that compel people to interpret many situations in unbalanced, upsetting ways. But with practice, people can learn to recognize and disarm distorted thinking.

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