In an episode of The Ethical Life podcast titled 'The Importance of Belonging for Mental Health,' hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada discuss the concept of 'third places' and their significance in fostering a sense of community and social connection. They reference an article by Arthur C. Brooks in The Atlantic, titled 'Why a busier life is not always a happier life,' which explores the idea that the happiest people are those who can strike a balance between having important, mission-driven activities in their lives without feeling overwhelmed by stress. The hosts delve into the concept of finding a middle ground for a healthier life, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and avoiding excessive busyness. They also mention a World Health Organization report that links long working hours to increased deaths from heart disease and stroke, highlighting the negative health consequences of overworking [044d040a].
The hosts then discuss the concept of 'third places,' which are informal public gathering spaces that serve as a middle ground between home and work. They explain that regular visits to these third places can lower stress and increase social connections, leading to improved mental well-being. Richard Kyte, the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University, has a forthcoming book titled 'Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way)' [277be625].
In a recent article on Democratherald.com, it is mentioned that Richard Kyte's book, 'Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way),' explores the benefits of belonging and community engagement. The article highlights the importance of a feeling of belonging for mental health, as it fosters a sense of community and social connection. The hosts of The Ethical Life podcast discuss the concept of 'third places' and their role in providing a middle ground between home and work. Regular visits to these third places can lower stress and increase social connections, leading to improved mental well-being. Richard Kyte's book explores the benefits of belonging and community engagement [5f6ac8a4].
A new study reveals the significant role of social networks in the psychological well-being of middle-aged adults. The study found that larger social networks, especially broader circles of friends, are linked with better psychological well-being as individuals hit their 50s. For men, having a wide network of relatives also adds to their mental resilience, while for women, it's the friendships that truly make a difference. Women with broader friendship circles at age 45 scored higher in mental well-being five years later. The study adjusted for variables like employment and partnership status, highlighting that while these factors do influence mental well-being, the size and composition of one's social network hold an independent and significant impact. The findings underscore the critical role of fostering social connections throughout life, especially as we approach middle age. Programs aimed at reducing social isolation, particularly targeting middle-aged men and women, could serve as valuable interventions for improving mental health outcomes [9f775139] [044d040a] [5f6ac8a4].
Surveys in Hong Kong and Singapore suggest that older people seem to be better at the pursuit of happiness. In Hong Kong, about 60 percent of families have reported a high score in happiness, suggesting positive relationships between family members. Families with higher household incomes and education levels as well as women and those aged 55 and above reportedly scored higher in the happiness survey conducted last year by the Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project team. In Singapore, a 2022 survey showed that people aged 18 to 29 had the highest percentage of poor mental health, which suggests a 'happiness divide' between the generations. A study on the care needs of middle- and higher-income older adults in Singapore conducted at the Centre for Ageing Research and Education (CARE), Duke-NUS Medical School, suggests that outlook in life, self-actualisation, and social connectedness are the key components of happiness. Older adults prioritize contentment and find a sense of purpose supported by family, friends, community, religious faith and/or work. Building authentic and meaningful relationships grounded in shared interests, backgrounds, and values is important. Humanistic psychologist Abraham Maslow observed that older adults, shaped by different life experiences from young people, are more predisposed to self-actualisation as human development occurs over a lifespan. Enjoyment is an important experience which senior citizens pursue through leisure, including travel, exercise, wining and dining, and engaging in thoughtful conversations with friends. Maintaining family ties and friendship bonds are vital for senior citizens to live and age well. Intergenerational friendships in particular create opportunities for the sharing of knowledge and wisdom, mutual learning, and mentoring that provide meaning and purpose, and bolster positive self-identity. The findings of the Singapore CARE study show that acceptance, having a sense of purpose based on a faith tradition and/or philosophy in life, maintaining strong family ties, friendship bonds, and community connections, as well as striving to serve others in love and humility, can lead to happiness [eee6eda8] [9f775139].