A wonderful way for older adults to add meaning and joy to life is to initiate new friendships in the New Year. Studies show that friendship provides vital social connections that support mental and physical health. As people are living longer, it's important to establish habits and routines that add quality to the Golden Years. Studies show older adult friendship is vital to lowering risk for and reducing the impact of existing chronic illness, such as cognitive decline, loneliness, depression, and heart disease. It's never too late in life to make a new friend…the tips below will help you get started!
Health Benefits of Friendship for Older Adults
Throughout our lives, and particularly during older adulthood, friendship provides vital social connections that offer protective health benefits that bolster mental and physical well-being. When we are more socially connected, we give ourselves a "biological edge" over chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and chronic pain. Studies also show that friendship in older adulthood protects against mental health issues such as stress, cognitive decline, loneliness, depression, and anxiety.
Since we are living longer, into our 90s, it's important to establish habits and experiences that support quality of life. Forming new friendships, no matter how young or old we are, creates a special connection because it is chosen and offers mutual caring and support established around shared interests or personalities, which enriches quality of life. Additionally, a friendship grounded in shared respect and interest is an essential part of romantic relationships – no matter how old we are.
Tips to Create New Friendships in Older Adulthood
While it is true that our social circles change during older adulthood, you can take steps to create and maintain new social ties in the Golden Years.
Meaningful Connections Can Be Short- or Long-Term
Just as it benefits our health to eat a colorful variety of foods and to move our bodies in different ways each day, socially the same is true: Try to meet a variety of people. Explore different settings in which you might encounter kindred spirits. At the same time, don't discount the benefit of friendly interactions in temporary situations – encounters with people where we have a shared goal (e.g., volunteer work) also build a sense of community, even if the encounter does not evolve into a lasting friendship.
Be a Joiner: Clubs and Organizations
A special interest club (book, music, art, photography, bird watching, walking, Sierra or Audubon Club, etc.) is a great way to meet people with similar interests. Your local YMCA, JCC, senior center, library, or senior living community will have many options.
Not a Joiner? Take a Bus Trip!
If joining a group isn't your thing but you'd like to expand your social circle, consider going solo (or maybe invite a friend you already have) on a group bus tour or day trip. Many local bus companies, libraries, senior centers, etc. host bus trips that are open to the public.
Get Social Media but Don't Rely on It
Joining social media groups for older adults in your area can be a great resource for learning about programs, events, and opportunities to connect. However, don't rely on social media to develop friendships – in-person connection is the heart of real friendship. If you're not media-savvy, a local librarian can help you get started.
Keep Learning: Take a Class
Check out the non-credit course offerings at a local community college or community recreation center. Art, history, cooking, master gardening, flower arranging, photography…and so much more can be right at your fingertips.
Bridge the Generational Gap: Volunteer
Volunteering with organizations that serve young people can be a great way to feel more youthful while also being of service. Consider becoming a mentor, a literacy coach, a classroom or library reader, or a tutor.
New Friendships Found, Every Day at Everbrook Senior Living
Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities is vital to quality of life in the Golden Years. Doing those things with friends adds to joy and fulfillment, which supports healthy, independent living for older adults.
At Everbrook Senior Living, our best-in-class services focus on our residents' unique interests and needs. Custom programs are designed to help our residents establish new social connections, explore activities that add meaning, and redefine purpose. Our exceptionally talented and caring professional staff intentionally create environments and provide care that nurture an older adult's physical, emotional, and social well-being. We wouldn't expect anything less for our own family members, and you should expect no less for you and yours.