This is my Bapcia.
She’s nearing 100 years old. I’m not exactly sure how old she is, but she’s nearly caught up to Betty White. She’s beaten diabetes and survived covid – TWICE! Despite always struggling with weight issues, she’s one of the healthiest people I’ve ever met. She was rarely sick, never hurt and has never suffered from any serious health conditions. What’s her secret to a long, healthy life?
One word: Love.
She is the embodiment of unconditional love. She loves her family; the good and the bad, unconditionally. She is always happy, and it doesn’t matter if the last time she saw you was an hour ago or ten years ago, when she sees you again, she greets you with a huge hug and something to eat. She loves everyone and in return is beloved by all.
She’s also deeply religious. A devout Catholic and listens very carefully to Jesus’s teaching of forgiveness, love and compassion. I am agnostic myself, but I truly believe that her faith in Jesus and devotion to the church is an influential part of her limitless love and happiness.
While I lack the empirical evidence to support these claims, there are studies, however, that close relationships can reduce systemic inflammation. Lower inflammation means less illness, a stronger immune system and stronger mental health. There needs to be more work to draw conclusions, but I think my Bapcia would be a wonderful case study. She was incredibly supportive of her family and in turn everyone was supportive of her. As a result, all her grandchildren grew-up surrounded by love and support. (She had 9 kids of her own so, needless to say, she’s got more than a few grandchildren.)
All of that love and support has led to a long and healthy life. I think that’s a valuable health lesson. Love and happiness are contagious. When you’re happy and surrounded by people you love, the people around you are significantly more likely to be happy and treat those around them with love. That makes everyone around you healthier and more likely to live long and happy lives.
Bapcia's remarkable life reminds us of the profound impact of love and support on our health and happiness. Through her unwavering devotion to her family and faith, she has shown us that love knows has the power to transcend adversity. And knowing that in spreading love and kindness, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the well-being of others. Bapcia's story is a testament to the enduring truth that love is, indeed, the greatest healer of all.