Friends and friendship
For several years, Bronnie Ware sat by the
bedsides of dying people and as a result, she wrote a book The Top Five Regrets
of the Dying. The conversations shared were personal, life-changing, and
enormously insightful. Others have expanded on her work by interviewing
patients in palliative care units and Nursing homes who are seeing their last
days on earth to share their regrets in life. Their answers were memorable and
worth considering as you retire. One of the top three regrets of people who
were dying was I should have made more time for my friends.
When health and youth have faded, people
realize what is truly valuable they find that all their income and achievements
amount to nothing in the end. What matters in those last few moments are the
people who are dear to them. At that time, they tend to miss their friends.
It’s so easy to get lost in the daily grind
that you forget to take care of your Relationships. If you don’t intentionally
stay in touch, you may lose contact with your friends through the years. It’s challenging to maintain friendships as
we age, especially if we move away from the people we’ve known for a long time.
Our lifestyles and interests change. If we cannot maintain contact with old
friends than we need to make new friends.Â
Making new friends as a senior or adult can be a rewarding experience
that brings joy, companionship, and a sense of belonging. But many of us forget
how to make new friends, so here are some starter ideas:
Join clubs, groups, or organizations that
align with your hobbies and interests. Whether it’s a book club, a Gardening
group, or a fitness class, these shared activities provide a natural way to
meet like-minded individuals.
Senior centers often offer a variety of
social activities, from game nights to art classes. These centers provide a
welcoming environment where you can meet people your age and form connections.
Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet
others who share your passion for giving back to the community. Whether you’re
helping at a local charity, animal shelter, or school, you’ll find kindred
spirits who value the same causes.
Keep an eye out for local events, fairs,
and festivals. These gatherings can be a great place to strike up conversations
and meet people in your neighbourhood or town.
Many seniors are active on social media
platforms and websites designed for connecting with others. You can join online
groups and forums that cater to your interests or demographic and then arrange
to meet people in your area.
Enroll in classes or workshops that
interest you, whether it’s learning a new language, taking a cooking course, or
attending a writing workshop. This is an excellent opportunity to interact with
others who share your learning goals.
Staying active and healthy is important for
seniors, and participating in fitness classes, Yoga, or walking groups can be a
great way to meet new friends who prioritize health and well-being.
If you are part of a religious or spiritual
community, attend services and events to connect with people who share your
faith or beliefs.
If you are a college or school alum, attend
alumni gatherings and reunions. Reconnecting with old acquaintances and making
new ones can be quite fulfilling.
To make new friends, you need to be open to
new experiences and approachable. Smile, engage in conversations, and show
genuine interest in others. Don’t be afraid to initiate conversations and take
the first step in building connections.
Remember that making new friends takes time
and effort, so be patient and persistent. Building meaningful relationships can
greatly enrich your life, providing companionship and support we need.
Originally Published on https://boomersnotsenior.blogspot.com/
