7/9/2026
Yesterday, a friend in Kansas told me that his daughter plans to spend the month before starting college learning the guzheng, a Chinese music instrument. She already plays both the piano and the flute.
I shared with him the article I wrote on July 4 about music and brain health and mentioned that I'm learning the piano myself. He replied, "We should be doing it now."
Then he added: "In fact, writing is also good for preventing dementia, more effective than piano." That was encouraging to hear, since writing comes naturally to me while learning the piano is proving to be much more challenging.
His comment reminded me of something else I recently read.
Recent research suggests that health is often a family characteristic, not simply an individual one. One study identified different "family health climates," ranging from Flourishers, who consistently maintain healthy eating and regular physical activity, to Survivors, who struggle with both.
Other studies have found that family members often share risks for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic diseases. Part of that is genetic, but part reflects the environments families create together. Eating habits, physical activity, and even body weight tend to be similar among parents, children, and siblings. Healthy habits—and unhealthy ones—often spread through families.
This reminded me of one relative family. One member has struggled with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. Another member has other health issues. The burden is not carried by any individual alone; it affects the well-being of the entire family.
Whether we're talking about learning another language, listening to music, exercising regularly, or simply eating healthier meals, the underlying message is consistent: our behavior is often influenced by the people around us.
Families as one social group don't simply share genes. They also share routines, expectations, habits, values, and culture. Those shared patterns can influence health throughout a lifetime.
A family is a team. When one family member adopts a healthier lifestyle, it often encourages others to do the same. Healthy habits can spread through a family by example. As each person benefits, the whole family benefits. And when a family builds a culture of healthy living together, everyone has a better chance of living a longer, healthier, and happier life.
