One thing is for sure, we are fundamentally social animals who need the attention and love of others to survive. And we can increase our lifespan by finding new ways to be more social and feel less alienated, if we choose to.
New research into the behavior of bees suggests that alienation from others in your life increases stress levels dramatically, while closeness with others can offer a more youthful brain. It seems finding both a sense of meaning and belonging are the most important ingredients in longevity.
I guess my midlife crisis created the perfect storm for me! First it sent me on a serious search for a new sense of belonging which brought me a positive and nurturing marriage for the first time in my life. Then it provided me with new meaning by helping others in midlife crisis.
