Did you know that as we age, maintaining friendships can significantly impact our mental and physical wellbeing? Studies show that having meaningful connections in later life can offer several critical mental and physical health benefits. Here are some significant ways friendships benefit aging.
Better Cognitive Function: Engaging with friends stimulates the brain through conversation, shared activities and problem solving. This kind of mental exercise can activate neurons in the brain and help improve memory, attention and processing speed, slowing the progression of age-related cognitive decline.
Reduced Risk of Dementia: Regular social engagement has been associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. Staying mentally active and socially connected and engaging in purpose-driven activities can delay the onset of certain cognitive disorders and slow the progression of mild cognitive impairment.
Stronger Immune System: Research has shown that loneliness and isolation can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illness. Having healthy relationships can reduce inflammation and increase antibodies which can help you recover faster from illness.
Reduced Stress: Having friends to confide in can lower stress levels, which is often associated with accelerated aging. Regular positive social interaction can help release oxytocin which triggers the delivery of endorphins and serotonin, the happy hormone, to the brain.
Reduced Risk of Health Problems: Social interaction has been linked to lower risks of chronic health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Support from friends with positive influence can encourage healthier behaviors, such as staying active, adopting a balanced diet and smoking cessation.
Longer Life: Having strong friendships in later life has even been associated with a longer lifespan. Those with solid social networks tend to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives, which can lead to increased longevity.
However, in our later years, making and maintaining friendships can become more challenging. As we age, we may lose friends to death, illness or relocation. The COVID pandemic changed the way we socialize, and many older adults became more isolated and have yet to reclaim their former community connections. Unlike in our younger years, where friendships seem to form naturally at universities and places of employment, fostering new connections in later life often requires intentional effort. Research shows that forming meaningful relationships takes time. It can take around 50 hours of interaction to move from acquaintances to casual friends. To develop a real friendship, this number rises to 90 hours, and a close, deep bond may take upwards of 200 hours of shared experiences. So how can older adults build their community connections?
Look for social activities with continuity. Regular gatherings, classes or activities provide ongoing opportunities to see the same people and build relationships over time. For example joining a club or class that meets weekly helps you gradually become familiar with others in a relaxed setting. Fortunately Athens has a wide range of opportunities available. If you’re looking for ideas to meet new people, here are some local pastimes to get involved in:
Stay Active: The State Botanical Garden of Georgia has walking tours, gardening classes and seasonal events where you can meet fellow nature enthusiasts. Canopy Studio offers a B52s class for people ages 53 and older interested in staying active through aerial arts. The YMCA/YWCO Silver Sneakers has exercise and wellness programs specifically designed for older adults. Local sports clubs like Athens Area Pickleball (athensareapickleball.com) and the Classic City Pétanque Club (athenspetanque.org) meet up several times a week.
Stay Creative: Get involved with local theater, either on stage or behind the scenes, with Town & Gown Players. Learn the fundamentals of comedic improv by playing games that will help create spontaneous scenes with Flying Squid Comedy. Rabbit Box Storytelling fosters the art of storytelling by providing a forum for people to share true stories from their lives. You can attend events, exhibitions or volunteer as a docent at The Georgia Museum of Art, which also holds Creative Aging programs for people ages 55 and older. Become a member of the independent, nonprofit gallery Athens Institute for Contemporary Art (ATHICA) that promotes and supports innovative contemporary art and artists through exhibitions, education and events. Athens has a plethora of book clubs held at different places at different times, including Silent Book Club (facebook.com/silentbookclubathens) and those hosted by the Athens Regional Library System (athenslibrary.org). The library and Lyndon House Arts Center (facebook.com/LyndonHouseArts) also have meetups for different types of crafting projects.
Stay Involved: For a range of social, recreational, educational, health and wellness programming in person and online, check out Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) Center for Active Living. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UGA provides stimulating academic and social opportunities for older adults. Historic Athens has committees and volunteer opportunities geared towards improving historic preservation and heritage conservation in the Athens area. The Silver Dawgs volunteer during game day weekends to welcome guests at Sanford Stadium. Many local nonprofits rely on the help of volunteers and can be a great place to meet people. The Athens Area Community Foundation has a searchable nonprofit directory online at athensareacf.org/directory.
Whether through small gestures of friendship or joining a community group, making friends in later life is not only possible but can bring new joy and purpose to our lives. Friendships in later life are not just about companionship—they are a vital component of overall health and longevity. With some time, effort and intention, building lasting connections can lead to a more vibrant, fulfilling and healthier life as you age.
Abbie Vogt (MS, CMC, PAC-C) is the owner and director of Abridge Aging Life Care Management, which publishes a monthly Age Well Athens newsletter.
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