A Tribe Is Good for Your Mental Health (Teens Aren’t the Only Ones Who Need a Squad!) by Cindy Hlywa

Did you know that nurturing a strong, interconnected group of friends is one of the best things we can do for our mental health? New friends are lovely but the friendships we cultivate for years enrich our lives in countless ways.

I've been part of my Bunco group since 1990. What started as a monthly gathering to play, eat snacks and share cocktails has morphed into long, boisterous dinners, helping sick or struggling members, road tripping to celebrate birthday milestones and more. There’s nothing shallow about our friendships. The laughs are real, the stories are timeless and what’s crucial is that we are together for life events, both good and bad.

Strong groups of women (and men) who enjoy and care about each other build healthy communities. Consider developing the relationships between your friends, knowing that having a network of real friends helps us all lead better lives. Harvard's Women’s Health Watch recently concluded that having a network of satisfying relationships reduces dementia risk. Maybe, just maybe, when life wears us down, our tribe will be what keeps us from losing our minds.

Read more about dementia and relationships via Harvard's Women's Health Watch. 

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