When was the last time you called your parents?

As we become adults, we choose which relationships to prioritize and which ones we put aside. Some people give priority to relationships with colleagues or friends and gradually drop ties with family. For example, you could stop talking to your adult siblings or call less often to your elderly parents.

However, according to a new study from the University of California in San Francisco, these actions could have a negative impact on the health of our elderly parents. The researchers who conducted this study followed 1,600 older adults with an average age of 71 for six years, assessing loneliness, functional decline, and deaths.

They found that 23% of adults who were alone died within six years, compared to just 14% of adults with adequate levels of companionship who died. They also found that 43% of adults over the age of 60 felt isolated.

As we can see, loneliness plays an important role in human suffering, especially with the elderly, and it can lead to medical problems such as depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment as well as cardiovascular diseases.

In spite of your busy life loaded with tons of work, a demanding spouse, children and any other commitments you might have. I want to encourage you to take the time to call your parents. I understand it may take a little extra effort from your side, however, your parents will appreciate it and they will benefit physically and psychologically.

So, when are you planning to call your parents?