Experts explain how to keep the friendships that mean a lot to you as you age.
CONTENTS
- Why Am I Losing Friends at 50?
- How Do You Cope With Losing Friends as You Get Older?
- How To Nurture Friendships Over 50
- Tips on How To Make Friends Over 50
“Having friends is really important for our happiness and health. A recent study found that many Americans have a few close friends, and most have a best friend. Research shows that good friendships make us feel better in many ways.
As we get older, things change. When you’re 50, life is different from when you were 20. Your personality, how you see life, and your friendships might change too. It can also be a bit harder to make and keep new friends. That’s why it’s good to know how to take care of your friendships after you turn 50.
Let’s talk about why you might have fewer friends at 50 and some easy tips on how to keep the friends who are really important to you.
Why Am I Losing Friends at 50?
Remember those fun times going out, chatting over coffee, or watching sports with friends? Those moments might feel like they happen less often now. As you get older, it’s common to feel like you’re not as close to your friends anymore. Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.
A lot of people over 50 focus on their families, especially if they have kids and a job,” says Aura De Los Santos, who is an expert in psychology for both learning and everyday life. “The regular stuff like chores and family stuff can take up a lot of time, leaving little room for catching up with friends.”
Besides having different priorities and interests, finding the right times to meet up with your friends can be really tough.
Another reason you might not be as close with some friends anymore is that sometimes friendships naturally fade away; that person might have been meant to be in your life for a specific time. “Friendships can end for various reasons, and that’s not always a bad thing,” says De Los Santos.
How Do You Cope With Losing Friends as You Get Older?
It’s totally normal to feel sad and let down when a friendship ends. It can really hurt to realize you’re not as valued in their life anymore. Plus, not having them around to chat and share laughs with can be tough. Especially when you’re over 50 and this happens with a few friendships, it can be really tough. It’s okay to let yourself feel these emotions – it’s part of dealing with it.
Sometimes, we don’t talk much about it, but it’s real – feeling sad about losing a friend,” says De Los Santos. “When a friend is no longer in your life, it’s not just them you miss, but also all the good times you had together. It’s important to let yourself feel this sadness and give yourself time to get better.”
If you talk to a therapist or someone you trust, it can also really help you understand and work through your feelings.
How To Nurture Friendships Over 50
So, how do you keep the friendships going that you do have? With tight schedules, family members vying for your attention and the need to work as well as take time for yourself, what are practical things you can do?
To keep a friendship strong, the most important thing you can do is talk to your friend. You don’t need to do anything fancy or complicated, just have honest and regular conversations. This is the foundation of any good relationship, especially for people over 50. So, remember, keeping in touch and being open with each other is the main thing to focus on.
Communicate
Be clear about what you expect from your friends. If you’re too busy to meet up, tell them. If you want to do different things, let them know. Talking openly about your feelings and any limits you have can make your friendship even better.
Don’t put undue pressure on the other person, especially when they have a full schedule
It’s important to be patient, understanding, and talk well with each other. If your friend has a very busy life, it’s good to give them some time and space.
When you schedule time together, make an effort to keep that appointment
Prioritize the plans.
Honor the time with your friend
Put away your phone. Give them your attention, so they can see how important they are to you.
Check in with your friend in other ways
A quick text hello or to say “I’m thinking of you” can make a world of difference.
Reena B. Patel, who is an expert in positive thinking, suggests starting with kindness. Treat your friend the way you’d like to be treated in this stage of your friendship. Pay attention to small things that will strengthen your bond.
Tips on How To Make Friends Over 50
You might feel like it’s a good time to make new friends. This could be because you’ve lost some friends or simply because you want to meet more people. There are plenty of ways to connect with new folks.
As we get older, we might feel lonely when we’re away from the people we care about because of different paths we take in life. To prevent this, it’s important to do things that let you socialize. This could involve going to gatherings or joining groups related to things you enjoy. You could also volunteer for a cause you care about. Taking a class on something that interests you can help you meet like-minded people. Another idea is to do an activity and invite a neighbor or someone you’re getting to know.
Don’t stress too much about finding friends. Just do things you like. When you do, you’ll naturally meet people and friendships will form on their own.
For folks over 50 struggling to make friends, De Los Santos gives advice. They should figure out the kind of friendships they really want. Remember, having lots of friends doesn’t always mean having deep, meaningful connections. It’s better to concentrate on building strong relationships with people you see as sincere and who bring positivity to your life.
SOURCE:PARADE