Keeping the Friends that Keep You Young at Heart

Whether through a natural attrition process, or a conscious effort to rid your life of unnecessary stresses, we usually weed out the "not worth it" friends and acquaintances in our life.

The former is much easier, and it often occurs when your life is in rolling stone stone mode. But the latter is much more difficult. You have to recognize when a friend isn't really a friend, or at least not the kind that you need in your life. "What kind of friend do I need in my life?" you ask. Well, if you're at all concerned about the quality or quantity of your life, you'll be interested in this BBC article.

According to the article, it's the friends that are there for you during major changes, such as a relocation to another part of the country, or the death of a spouse or close family member.

The research also suggests that these "life lengthening" friends will also look after your health, a.k.a. make sure you see the doctor when you try to brush off that three-month-long-cold.

You also need to feel valued by that friend, especially as a woman. "Interestingly, we know that the quality of social life for many women actually improves with age, so it goes to show that we really do benefit from chatting and feeling valued among friends," says research manager Dr. Lorna Layward.

And it doesn't just have to be a one-on-one friend interaction. Group social networks can also be beneficial, say the researchers. Building and maintaining new relationships is essential for health promotion, as well. So, here are a few groups getting together across the Tri-State over the next few weeks. Get out there, bring your good friends along and make some new friends! Hey, it's fun and good for you. How often do we get that?

7/31/2007
6 p.m.
Fit and Fresh Fish Cooking Class
Bellevue
Party Source

8/2/2007
6:30 p.m.
Scrapbooking and Stamping Club
Independence
Faith Community United Methodist Church

8/2/2007
6-9 p.m.
Cincy Chic Ladies Night

Downtown Cincinnati (35 East 7th Street )

Lodge Bar

8/4/2007
9 a.m.
Decorative Artists Meeting and Painting Class
Anderson Township
New England Club

8/4/2007
6 p.m.
Great Wines Under $12 Class
Bellevue
Party Source

8/7/2007
6 p.m.
Team in Training Running Group
Blue Ash
The Wellness Community

8/7/2007
7 p.m.
Queen City Cake Decorating Club
Wyoming
Wyoming Civic Center

8/9/2007
10 a.m.
Loveland's Amazing Women Club
Loveland
Blue Chip Cookies

8/9/2007
6:30 p.m.
Cooking With Julie Dowty Cooking Class
O'Bryonville
The Art of Entertaining