Are friends better for us than family?

[Guest Nicole]

Date:

June 6, 2017

Source:

Michigan State University

Summary:

The power of friendship gets stronger with age and may even be more important than family relationships, indicates new research.

The power of friendship gets stronger with age and may even be more important than family relationships, indicates new research by a Michigan State University scholar.In a pair of studies involving nearly 280,000 people, William Chopik found that friendships become increasingly important to one’s happiness and health across the lifespan. Not only that, but in older adults, friendships are actually a stronger predictor of health and happiness than relationships with family members.“Friendships become even more important as we age,” said Chopik, assistant professor of psychology. “Keeping a few really good friends around can make a world of difference for our health and well-being. So it’s smart to invest in the friendships that make you happiest.”

Read more: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170606090936.htm