Psychologically,humans tend to get emotionally attached to anyone that always lend them a listening ear.
Having an ear to bend when you need to talk is associated with greater “cognitive resilience,” which is a measure of the brain’s ability to function better than would be expected for the amount of aging or disease-related changes in the brain.
Many neurologists believe this mental resilience can be improved through brain-stimulating activities, physical exercise and positive social interactions.
There is growing evidence that people can take steps, either for themselves or the people they care about most, to increase the odds they’ll slow down cognitive aging or prevent the development of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
The four years’ difference in cognitive age between people with good listeners and those without “can be incredibly precious,” a researcher once opined.
Taking that simple action sets the process in motion for you to ultimately have better odds of long-term brain health and the best quality of life you can have.”
Psychologists should also consider asking patients whether they have access to a dependable listener.
“Loneliness is one of the many symptoms of depression, and has other health implications for patients.
These kinds of questions about a person’s social relationships and feelings of loneliness can tell you a lot about a patient’s broader social circumstances, their future health, and how they’re really doing outside of the clinic.
You could lend a listening ear to someone today. It helps in mental development.
