Welcome to this week's episode of the series "Iranian Family". Studies have shown that marriage leaves positive impacts on human health.

Marriage leads to physical and mental health, in addition to longevity. In accordance with a research which has been carried out in the year 2011; marriage lower the possibility of early death by 15%, reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease, and balances blood sugar. Moreover, married patients who are hospitalized are usually healed sooner and better in comparison to single hospitalized patients.

Based on another report, marriage boosts one's morale. According to a study which scientists have implemented on cardiovascular patients over a period of ten years; even among the obese, cardiovascular patients, who were smokers, were diabetic, and had a high blood pressure, the mortality rate of married men was roughly 46% less than that of single patients.

A large number of experts strongly believe that the positive impacts of married life are not limited to physical health. Mental health is also positively affected by marriage. Married men are to a lesser extent exposed to mental disorders such as depression in comparison to single men. Furthermore, married men are more content than single men, after retirement. Women also mentally and emotionally benefit from marriage, especially if they value their relationship with their spouses.

Now, let's pay attention to the lifestyle of Iranian families.

Hassan and Narges live in the company of their two children in a flat located at the first floor. Hassan's parents also live with them. Hassan's parents owned a big house with a courtyard and a garden. Their other son went broke and they were forced to sell their house.

It is in the afternoon. Narges has covered the floor of the flat's balcony with a carpet and has also prepared tea. She believes that joint recreational activities reinforces the emotional bond among the family members. Everyone has gathered in the balcony. Hassan's parents remember that they used to host members of the family at the large courtyard of their previous house; with children playing games, and adults chatting with each other. In the meantime, the doorbell rings. Narges's two sisters come in. Everyone is gladdened by their arrival. They are invited to have a cup of tea, while they join other members of the family at the balcony.

Visiting familial members, friends, and associates, is among the highly valuable traditions which has remained as strong as ever among Iranians. These visits boost kindness and amity among members of the family and friends, and make us happier and more energetic individuals. Furthermore, these meetings fade away possible resentments and hard feelings, and reinforce and cement relationships.

Some imagine that by making a phone call, they have carried out their duty toward their parents and have gladdened them. However, no phone call can replace face-to-face meetings. In accordance with a reliable study, face-to-face meetings among familial members and friends leaves a huge positive influence on mental health, while the replacement of these meetings with emailing, texting, and making phone calls, doubles the risk of depression among the related individuals.

Meeting familial members, and even watching their photos, leads to positive sentiments and feelings, and reinforces health. In fact, we all love to be around those, who are similar to us. Familial gatherings get our minds off our problems.

Based on a research which was done a few years ago on those who live on their own, or in groups, it was concluded that those who felt the emotional support of others; lived longer, and maintained a better physical and mental health.

According to psychologists, familial gatherings boosts the sense of belonging and emotional bond among individuals. Everyone likes to care for others and to be cared for. Furthermore, individuals need healthy and constructive relationships for development and exchange of information and every single individual in a given family is responsible in reinforcement or collapse of familial relationships. Familial gatherings boost one's morale, and wipe away any possible trace of depression among members of the family.

MR/ME