A Heart Healthy Recipe for Older Adult Relationships
Try This Well-Seasoned Stew

Some recent studies imply that a marriage or a committed primary relationship may be good for your health. In one recent study conducted by Brian Baker (WebMD) who has studied marital stress and heart health, results indicated that blood pressure is affected by the amount of stress in a relationship. Other studies suggest that relationship stress might manifest in a variety of ills, including physical and emotional disorders.

That is the bad news. However, there is good news too. “Baker’s research joins a small but growing number of studies pinpointing the varied health effects of marriage…The benefits of positive marital interactions can boost immunity and reduce the risk of heart disease by keeping stress hormones low.” (WebMD)

While these studies have implications for all ages, the good news for Older Adults is encouraging. Since those over 50 are more vulnerable to aging related illnesses, and may have physical problems already compromised by and affected by stress, the prospect that a healthy and hearty marriage or primary relationship can keep you healthy has exciting implications for enjoying our relationships, and staying healthier in later life.

And here’s another piece of good news. Who but those over 50 are better suited to “knowing-the-score?” Older adults, who have lived, loved, lost and experienced life in all its nuances, may very well have the wisdom, the willingness, and the time to devote themselves to creating the kind of marriage or relationship that will sustain their health in their mid and later years.

In other words many over 50’s have experienced the pain and stress when relationships are lacking in even a few important areas. But with a little attention to some key ingredients, you can add health and zest to your life.
And you might have fun too!

Why not give this recipe a taste test?

A Recipe For a Healthy, Hearty Relationship

The Ingredients:
Love, Affection, Commitment, Connection, Communication, Appreciation, Friendship and Respect

Take 2 Hearts full of Love
Add a full measure of Commitment
Mix together 2 whole cups of Communication and Connection
Stir in an overflowing quart of Appreciation, and a very full cup of Friendship
Blend in the sweet core of Respect, stirring slowly and deliberately




The Processing:
Simmer together until both hearts are well coated with mixture. Then blend in 1 tablespoon of Sweet Talk—1 tablespoon of “spicy differences.” Then sprinkle with Essence of Justice and Essence of Humor.


If the sauce appears to be souring after standing, check your ingredients to see if anything was accidentally omitted. If so, ADD at ONCE. Taste occasionally for sweetness. The sauce should be sweet and tangy. It should have piquancy and yet, be smooth.

If an occasional lump appears, blend it out immediately with an added measure of communication, respect, and appreciation, before the recipe is spoiled.

Hearts should be served touching each other, each holding its own shape; yet, creating a double form. Once you have the recipe down pat, the rest is all GRAVY!!

The Preservatives for Freshness:
Continue to learn about each other, and appreciate the way the other adds spice to the relationship.

Give each other positive feedback and use a no-blame policy when discussing problems.

Stay mindful of the other’s willingness to be vulnerable by offering you a commitment of the heart.

Create a bond that lasts by demonstrations of affection and respect, and on-going validation of friendship.

Sprinkle in responsiveness and listening.
On top of all that…Have Fun together!

These added measures will keep the relationship from getting stale and will help to preserve the full nutritional health value for both partners.