Nurturing Relationships: The Key to Happiness and Resilience as We Age

"The strength of our relationships determines the quality of our happiness and our resilience in difficult times. It's through meaningful connections with others that we truly thrive."

Throughout April, we will focus on nurturing and developing meaningful relationships that enrich our lives. To kick off this series, I was honoured to attend a talk hosted by COTA (Council of the Ageing) NSW, featuring their CEO, Gohar Yazdabadi and Elisabeth Shaw, CEO of Relationships Australia.

During the event, Elisabeth highlighted key insights on relationships and social connections. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasised the significance of fostering relationships to lead a fulfilling life. This sentiment is further validated by an 86-year Harvard study that found strong relationships crucial to personal happiness.

Elisabeth explained that healthy relationships not only contribute to joy but also provide support during challenging times. When asked how to gauge the adequacy of one's connections, she suggested that it's a subjective matter, emphasising the importance of feeling "held in mind" and acknowledged by others.

To cultivate these connections, she advised taking initiative and engaging with others, even in small ways. However, she warned against taking rejection personally. She also discussed repairing strained relationships by owning your part and engaging in genuine dialogue without expecting a particular outcome.

Elisabeth illuminated the significance of clear communication and ongoing renegotiation, especially during significant life changes like having children. She also encouraged seeking professional help when issues arise in relationships, highlighting that therapy can provide practical skills and new perspectives, even when problems are not dire.

Additionally, she clarified that relationship help is not restricted to romantic partnerships; it applies to all kinds of relationships, including family, work, and even one's relationship with oneself.

As we continue exploring relationships and social connections this month, let's remember Elizabeth's valuable insights on cultivating meaningful, supportive