Loving Relationships Promote Longevity

I can personally attest to the power of a loving relationship through the marriage of my parents who recently celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary.  Their love and respect for each other is steadfast, tender and inspiring.  

I can recall how every Valentine’s Day my father would make dozens of hearts and little notes and post them all around the house.  Even now, every year he makes my Mom a birthday card celebrating a new year with his bride.

They have been together since the age of 15, which makes 80 years, as my Mother turns 95 in September.  That’s correct, 95, and my Father is only months behind her.  Happily, they are both still physically strong and mentally sharp.

My parent’s have shared many adventures in their lives, including living in an Artist’s Colony in Mexico City before starting a family, world traveling, raising 3 kids, my Mom receiving her PhD in Art Education, my Dad and brother building a 32 ft. sailboat and then my parents sailing and living on it for 10 years throughout their 60’s, not to mention that both of them have written novels that are currently for sale on Amazon.  

But above all, they have shared a partnership that has spanned 80 years and is rooted in Love, Trust and Respect.  Having love and companionship in our life as we age has been shown to promote longevity and good health.  

This is in part because loving relationships foster feelings of love, trust, respect, gratitude and positivity. These emotions elicit the release of “feel good” hormones and neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin.  These chemicals boot our mood, help us focus, ward off the negative effects of stress, anxiety and depression, and improve sleep.

Furthermore, these de-stressing biochemicals and emotions put us in the parasympathetic (rest and recovery) branch of the nervous system, which strengthens the immune system, and slows the aging process.

Loving relationships have also been shown to improve heart health both physically and energetically.  Even some nursing homes bring in pets to help improve the mood and health of their residents.  Bonding between humans and animals alike feeds our heart energy center and helps balance the energy flow throughout the body.

Not only is a positive attitude healthy for a loving couple, but it also benefits those around them.  Family and friends are influenced by, and learn loving behaviors by being around loving relationships.  

I know that the love my sons shower on their daughters is a direct reflection of the flow of love that still comes from my parents to me, on to them, and through them to their children.  

Loving relationships, whether it be with a romantic partner, a dear friend, or a pet, will keep us young and healthy as we age.  

Conversely, unhappy relationships foster feelings of depression and loneliness.  The damage those feelings cause, affect us physically, mentally and spiritually.

It may be true that misery loves company, but happiness also loves company, and it is much better company.  

For guidance and support on your journey to well being, contact me for a free 15 minute consultation at nina.lynn@me.com.