Little known fact, I grew up in the restaurant business. After we relocated to Connecticut from New York City, my father turned his avocation as a commercial real estate broker into a full time job. Analyzing and selling restaurants was his passion. He, and by extension our whole family, became very aware of the singular importance of location. Leaving a restaurant with a two hour wait or one with a room of empty tables, one of us would inevitably blurt out, “Location, location, location!”
I was reminded of this today listening to a panel of experts on longevity as part of the annual Milken Conference. Except the buzz word for this high end crowd isn’t location, it’s connection. Much like the restaurant years and my understanding of the importance of where a restaurant sits, I also understand the focus on connection for the health and welfare of all human beings. How could I not appreciate this when one of my favorite quotes from comedian Victor Borges calls laughter, “the shortest distance between two people.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind connection, here are four articles that illustrate exactly why it matters, how to create it and how it works to support all of our mental health:
1. Gotta start with this one. Social Support and the Incidence of Cognitive Impairment Among Older Adults
2. The London Times reports on legit health benefits of connection. Loneliness linked to heart disease, strokes and infections
3. This study confirms connection might be one way to tap the fountain of youth! Social Support and Longevity
4. Connection not just for the over 70 crowd! The link between happiness and social connectedness!
Hopefully lowering the chance of cognitive decline, shortstopping heart disease, and boosting immunity are solid motivators to get us all out of the house and in-person with each other! And not just 20 or 30 years from now!
So next time when you’re choosing between a Netflix binge and dinner with a friend, choose the IRL experience. The Housewives reruns will be waiting for you when you get home!
