Helping Friends: A Simple Way to Feel Better as You Get Older

Older adults often find that helping friends can make them happier. This is not just about big gestures, but small, everyday acts like giving a ride or assisting with chores. Research shows that these actions can boost mood and give a sense of purpose.

Gender Differences in Providing Help

Interestingly, the way this help affects people differs between men and women. Women tend to stay in a good mood when they offer emotional support, like listening or comforting. However, men might feel worse on days they provide this kind of support. This could be because expressing emotions or showing empathy might not align with traditional male roles, causing discomfort.

Study Insights

A study from the University of Michigan looked at 180 older adults, with an average age of 74, in Texas. They tracked their mood and social interactions every three hours for almost a week. The most common type of help among friends was emotional support, followed by giving advice and practical assistance.

Importance of Friendships

Friendships are crucial for emotional well-being, especially for those who are single, widowed, divorced, or childless. For men, friendships often revolve around activities, while women's friendships focus more on emotional connection. Practical help can make older adults feel useful and engaged, reinforcing their sense of purpose.

Future Research and Programs

The study suggests that programs should explore other ways to engage socially beyond emotional support. They should also help men find meaning in emotional support exchanges to improve their emotional well-being. Future research will look into why older adults provide caregiving to friends.