Ten Ways to Make Friends as we Age

 Why are Friends Important?

Friendships are just as important, if not more so, as we age. In fact, regular social activity promotes our sense of well-being. What’s more, close social relations improve our optimism and health. Making new friends does require effort. Life events such as losing a spouse, health issues or retirement can make it more challenging. But, the positive effects on our mood and behaviour means the effort is worthwhile. So, friends are essential! And, this is why.

• Friends Keep Us Healthy– Just as loneliness can damage our health, friendships can improve it. Friends can help us to adopt healthy habits, such as losing weight and healthy eating. I am more motivated to lose the Christmas pounds if I diet with a friend! What’s more, even if we have pre-existing health issues, friends improve our health outcomes.
• Friends Improve our Immune System. – We recover quicker from illness if we see friends.
• Friends Help to Keep us Mentally Well. – Friends improve our confidence, self-worth and mental health. Being social keeps our memory sharp and improves our longevity

Making New Friends and Keeping the Old One’s Going.

When it comes to making friends as we age, experts suggest meeting people who share similar interests. Furthermore, friendships are more meaningful if we share similar values and reciprocated support. But it’s not just about making new friends it is about keeping old friendships as well. Here are some ways to meet new friends and keep the ones you already have as you grow older.

10 Ways to Make Friends. as we Age.

1. Set Yourself a Goal. Do you find yourself looking into the mix, rather than being in the mix? Make a promise you will strike up a conversation with three people you don’t know when you are next out. You have to make the first move if you want to make new friends. While I find this easy, you might shy away from this approach. If that’s you, consider social networking groups. This way you can meet new people via messages before you meet in person.
2. Volunteer.  Charities are crying out for volunteers. And, it’s a brilliant way to build your social circle. Local support groups, befriending schemes or telephone helplines. Most charities rely on unpaid support. Voluntary positions are often advertised on community websites or charity websites.  Or, pop into your local charity shop and ask if they need a hand?  You will have a lot of experience that can be put to good use. While training furthers your skillset. Volunteering benefits you and others in so many ways.
3. Join an Interest Group-You may have a passion for crafting? Or you might be a whiz with knitting needles? Take advantage of lockdown relaxations and join a club. After all, you won’t be short of conversation when sharing the same interests. Men’s sheds are a great way for chaps to spark an interest and meet new friends. My partner becomes animated about cable wire and fuse boxes. And while my eyes glaze over, other men might appreciate his electrical knowledge and talent!
4. Get Tech Savvy-If you have grandchildren, ask them to install some online social apps and lend you a hand in making sense of them.  Once you are taught the basics, they are reasonably simple to use. Don’t be scared to play around with them. Social media opens up a collection of groups to make new friends. They can also be used to keep in touch with existing pals. Community tech schemes are popping up across Hampshire. They offer tuition to help you to learn the basics of social networking sites such as Facebook Zoom and Skype. Facebook has thousands of groups you can join online. Many of which, meet face to face regularly. It’s a great platform to find out about local groups and meetups.
5. Say Hello to Your Neighbour. You don’t know where a quick hello and chat will end up. Neighbours can be the gateway to longer chats, outings and friendship. Although my chats have never moved from the garden fence, I do know I can call on them if I need help. Besides, it’s nice to be nice!
6. If You are able to, get a Pet– Aside from the obvious companionship, pets are people magnets. Dogs break the ice for you on a walk. Or, one cat enthusiast to another can share many exploits and tips about Kitty.
7. Receive a Call or Visit from a Befriending Service-. Many local charities know how difficult socialising can be, particularly if we are limited with our mobility or have impairments that make connecting with others difficult. This is why befriending services can help. You can have a weekly call or visit from a volunteer befriender. What’s more, the befriender enjoys chatting and meeting new people too.
8. Call Right at Home Solent-ask about their Companionship Care. Companionship Care is what you want it to be. It could be supporting you in a group, or walking your dogs. Even assisting you in an online meetup. On the other hand, you may just want to chat and do activities with your caregiver.
9. Get Support from a Community Navigator– Community Navigators are there to chat about what you enjoy doing and can signpost you to the services that meet your wants and needs. Many Councils and Community focused charities also have directories of support.
10. Use National Friendship Day as Your Motivation to Contact Existing Friends– Give them a call, send a card or a text.  Arrange to meet up, but above all ask them how they are and let them know they are in your heart.

You are Never too Old to Make New Friends.

You just need to be open to new experiences and think outside of the box, I have friends aged from 80 to 27 but, we all share things in common. What is important is you get along with them and you complement each other. New friendships do require some effort. Initiating conversations and arranging meet-ups require energy. Which, sometimes, is not that easy to muster up if we have become stuck in our ways. However, the benefits of being social outweigh the costs. Especially when you just click with someone and form a friendship. It is equally as important to cherish the friends you already have. A friendship that survives decades is a gift worth treasuring. Use today as an excuse to let them know you are thinking of them.

I am Rachel. My role as a community engagement officer for Right at Home Solent means I join up the dots to offer further support to our clients. I lend my time and skills to charities and groups working hard to beat loneliness and improve social connections in the places we live.