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Hanging Out With Your Mom Can Help Her Live Longer, Study Finds

There might be a simple solution to combating the negative effects of aging like decline and dementia — all it takes is simply spending more time with elderly family members and friends.

A recent study has shed some light on how hanging out with senior citizens can give them a major boost and even increase their lifespan.

If you've been meaning to call your mom or invite her over for dinner, a recent study says it could have major benefits for her health.

Unsplash | Dario Valenzuela

A study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco examined how loneliness can impact the health and decline of elderly people.

Researchers studied 1,604 senior citizens, with an average age of 71 years old.

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Despite a diverse group of participants across ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, the study's findings were consistent: Elderly people who experienced loneliness had a higher mortality rate than those who had regular companionship.

Experts say the desire to be social and included is a lifelong need for all people.

Unsplash | Jixiao Huang

"The need we’ve had our entire lives — people who know us, value us, who bring us joy — that never goes away,” said Barbara Moscowitz, senior geriatric social worker at Massachusetts General Hospital in an interview with The New York Times.

Spending time with your parents as they age can be one of the best gifts you can give them.

Unsplash | Nikoline Arns

Not only will it have major benefits for their longevity, but they also have lots of life experience to share with you and your children. So, pick up the phone and give your mom a call!

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