approach. Although it doesn’t mean you will strike up friendships with everyone you meet, it can enhance your circle of acquaintances. If you regularly get together with
Gosh, we haven’t seen you in two weeks,” they might say, after you’ve been away on vacation. “It reminds you that you matter to people.”
— Carol Mills, Ph.D., professor of
communication studies at Florida Atlantic University
Earlier in life, we are routinely in
situations that foster friendships. In school or college, for example, it’s natural to make friends with some of our fellow students. Coworkers may become friends.
Raising children leads to new friendships with other parents. We take these situations for
granted. But later on, it can take some planning and effort to find like-minded people whose company you enjoy.
FIND NEW FRIENDS Meeting new people through activities you are interested in is a good
Compared to those over
age 65, adults between the ages of 50 and 64 are more likely to lack close friends. Compared to when they
were younger, making friends is harder for 42% of people after age 50, and about the same for
one or more friends to play cards, see movies, or for some other activity, ask them if there are other people they would like to invite to join you. Or explore groups that interest you. There are walking groups;
workshops on various topics; hobby groups; groups that go to concerts or art exhibits; groups for socializing over food and drinks; writing or painting groups; book and author events; tai chi, pickleball, or other sports groups; and many others. Places to find group activities in
your area include: Local libraries Bookstores Community centers Meetup:
www.meetup.com Eventbrite:
www.eventbrite.com Volunteering is another option.
“It’s a really powerful way to build friendships both with other people who are giving, but also other people who are in need and really grateful for any help that you can give,” says Mills. And, she adds, “It helps us remind
ourselves of our value.” There are opportunities with
many nonprofit organizations. Local museums may need docents. Marathons need timekeepers and other helpers. Local schools may need volunteers to read to children.
GROUPS FOR MEN Men’s Sheds is an international nonprofit organization founded
the rest. Poor physical or mental health makes it more dificult. Among those with one or
more close friends, nearly half said that a close friend came from a different generation: at least 15 years younger or older.
Half had a friend who
encouraged them to eat healthier and get more exercise.
Among those polled, 79% said they can turn to a close friend for emotional support when needed.
specifically for men, with clubs throughout the U.S. It’s based on the premise that while
women like to talk face to face, men talk shoulder to shoulder — while doing things together. Specific activities vary in each
club but may include building things, fixing things, going fishing, learning new skills, or doing volunteer projects in local communities. If this appeals to you, visit www.
usmenssheds.org to find a Men’s Shed club in your area. If there isn’t one near you, the organization can help you start one.
BEWARE OF SCAMS “We shouldn’t let fear keep us from living our lives,” says Mills. But we should be aware that some people are out to scam others. She cautions against inviting
someone into your home or giving them personal information before you get to know them well. And it’s a good idea to check out their social media, and perhaps do an online search. If someone you’ve known for a few
weeks tells you they need money to visit a sick relative or for some other emergency, don’t give it to them. It’s a common sign of a scam.
WAYS TO BENEFIT We think of friends as people with whom we have close relationships. But casual acquaintances, such
as neighbors or people you often see in local stores, can also make a difference. “Gosh, we haven’t seen you in two
weeks,” they might say, after you’ve been away on vacation. “It reminds you that you matter to people,” says Mills. You can do the same for others
by recognizing them with a friendly “Hello,” or being genuinely curious and asking, “How’s your day going?” And if you notice something about them that merits a compliment, go ahead and tell them. It might just make their day, and it certainly won’t hurt yours.
JANUARY 2026 | NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 95
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