Having a younger sibling(兄弟，姐妹) might make you slimmer, according to a research from Michigan University. Siblings, whether younger or older, help prevent their sisters or brothers from feeling unloved, lonely and fearful, according to the study. That can be an advantage when you reach adulthood.
Having brothers and sisters makes you more helpful. The same research, which looked at 395 families, found that having siblings made you twice as likely to do good deeds. Also it makes you more empathic(有同理心的)。A study of more than 450 Canadian families found that if a sibling is warm and kind, the other siblings are likely to have the same qualities. The study also found that having a close relationship with siblings when you're older can lead to greater life happiness and fewer bad emotions. That is to say, the bond between you and your siblings is very important as you enter old age.
Siblings can help you have a healthier lifestyle and live longer. A national survey of more than 15,000 people found that 43 percent of people believed their family and friends have the biggest effect on their health. In a study from Sociological Association, the elderly who have close relationship with the family members had a 6 percent chance of dying over the next five years, compared to a 14 percent risk for the people who are not so close to the family members.
If you don't have brothers and sisters, don't worry. ▲ Researches show that having close friends can help improve your health, happiness and long life. So try to make friends by signing up to groups or classes and finding people who enjoy the same things as you. For more health tips and stories, click newsletter at readersdigest.co.uk.
