Why having Friends at any Age is Beneficial for Health

Epicurus said “Of all the things that wisdom provides for living one’s entire life in happiness, the greatest by far is the possession of friendship”.

It has been long understood from contemporary scientists to ancient philosophers that having strong social bonds contributes to our happiness and therefore has a positive impact on our overall health and well-being.  However, the importance of friendship is not just something we need and desire as adults, but having friends during childhood is equally as important for our development later in life. 

In a new study from Concordia University, Canada (http://www.concordia.ca/) researchers affirmed that by keeping friends close has real physiological and psychological benefits.

The report which was published in the journal Developmental Psychology, “The presence of a best friend buffers the effects of negative experiences” found that the presence of a best friend directly affects children going through negative experiences.  The study highlighted that levels of cortisol, a hormone produced naturally by the adrenal gland in direct response to stress, is likely to decrease if a child is with a friend during a tough experience.

William M. Bukowski, a professor of psychology and Director of the Concordia Centre for Research in Human Development said, “if a child is alone when he or she gets in trouble with a teacher or has an argument with a classmate, we see a measurable increase in cortisol levels and decrease in feelings of self worth”.   

Previous studies have demonstrated that friendships can protect against later adjustment difficulties.  However, this study is the first to definitely identify how the presence of a friend can result in an immediate benefit for the child undergoing an unpleasant experience.

Bukowski believes these results have far reaching implications because physiological and psychological negative experiences as children can impact us as adults later in life, “excessive secretion of cortisol may lead to significant physiological changes, including immune suppression and decreased bone formation”.  Additionally, Bukoswki points out that if we build up feelings of low self worth during childhood, this will translate directly into how we perceive ourselves later on in life. 

Studies continually show that we need close long term relationships, we need to be able to confide in others and we need a sense of belonging.  Evidence suggests that we tend to feel happier when we are with other people and as a result this has many positive affects on our health.  Strong bonds can contribute to lengthening life, boosts immunity and can cut risks of depression.

Therefore, where possible, it is important for us to make the time to build relationships by strengthening old friendships, deepening existing ones, and making new friends.  

New Nutrition Guidelines published 

for Pre-School Children

This week, the School Food Trust has published guidelines on what foods young children should eat.

The guidelines have been introduced as a result of an independent report in 2010, which flagged demand for clearer guidance from childcare providers and parents.

The report highlighted the growing concern, that a fifth of children are either overweight or obese before they start school.  With Type 2 diabetes on the increase and dental health in young children deteriorating, the School Food Trust advocates that healthy eating before the age of five is essential.   

The voluntary guidelines, which are aimed particularly at nurseries, childminders and other providers of service for preschoolers, is an attempt to educate adults on healthy eating habits for young children in order to help reduce childhood obesity.

The guidelines include recommendations on the types of food to offer young children, portion sizes, sample menus as well as advice on tackling fussy eating and involving children in food and cooking activities.   

Children’s Minister Sarah Teather said: “Healthy eating is at the heart of helping every child get the best start in life”. 

As such, the new guidelines illustrate the importance of a varied diet for the under-fives, one which is rich in fruit, vegetables and dietary fibre, and how to avoid too much saturated fat, sugar and salt, which can contribute to weight gain and tooth decay.

The School Food Trust said; “Children start learning about food at a very early age. The messages they receive during this time lay the foundations for the choices they make about food as they move up to school and beyond”.

To download the Voluntary Food and Drink Guidelines For Early Years Setting in England – Practical Guide please click here.