Friendships have always been a part of our lives, but the older we get, the more precious they become. In our younger years, we often had built-in circles of friends through school, work, children’s activities, or our neighborhoods. But as life changes – retirement, moving, or even losing long-time companions – those natural networks can shift.
That doesn’t mean friendship is less important. In fact, it matters more than ever. Friendships after 60 are not only possible, they are vital to our health, happiness, and sense of belonging.
Here are six reasons why friendships are so important in later life.
1. Friendships Boost Emotional Health
Friends bring joy, laughter, and comfort. Sharing stories, worries, or even a simple cup of tea can lighten the weight of daily life. Good friends remind us that we are not alone, even when life feels overwhelming.
Research shows that emotional support is one of the strongest protective factors against depression. Having someone you trust, who will listen without judgment, can make all the difference when challenges arise.
Even a quick call a few times a week can lift our spirits. With today’s technology – online calls and video chats – distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. These tools make friends who live far away feel close, present, and part of our daily lives.
2. They Support Physical Health
It’s not just our feelings that benefit from friendship – our bodies do, too. Studies show that people with strong social networks live longer, have lower stress levels, and even recover from illness more quickly.
When friends encourage us to get out, take a walk, or join a class, we benefit twice: from the exercise and from the companionship. Even something as simple as cooking a meal with a friend can encourage healthier habits.
So the next time you need motivation to get moving, call a friend. Chances are, you’ll both feel better for it.
3. Friends Keep Us Curious and Engaged
One of the great joys of friendship is being introduced to new things. Friends might invite us to try a hobby, explore a different type of music, or visit a new café. These experiences spark curiosity and keep our minds active.
Staying curious is linked to better brain health and a sharper memory as we age. Friendships encourage us to keep learning, exploring, and expanding our world.
Never try, never know, is a fun Thai expression that captures why curiosity matters. Friends often give us that little nudge to try something new.
It was a friend who encouraged me to volunteer with a local animal rescue charity, where I ended up giving more than a decade of my time. Another friend sparked my love of distance walking, now one of my favorite daily routines. And yet another introduced me to vegan dishes. While I still lean vegetarian with some fish and poultry, I now enjoy adding more vegan meals to my diet.
4. Friendships Provide Identity Beyond Family Roles
As we age, our roles naturally shift. We may retire, our children become independent, or we move away from caregiving responsibilities. While these changes bring freedom, they can also leave us wondering: who am I now?
Friends remind us of our true selves. They see us not as “grandmother” or “former manager,” but as a whole person with talents, humor, and stories worth sharing. They help us reconnect with who we are at our core.
5. They Encourage Resilience in Hard Times
Life after 60 brings challenges from illness, loss, or sudden changes in circumstances. These moments can feel daunting. A good friend doesn’t solve our problems, but their presence makes them more bearable.
Resilience is easier when we know someone is on our side. Whether it’s a quick check-in call, a home-cooked meal, or simply sitting in silence together, friends help us face life’s storms with courage.
6. Friendships Bring Joy and Meaning
Perhaps the simplest but most important reason: friendships make life sweeter. Sharing laughter, meals, celebrations, or even everyday routines with someone else brings richness and meaning.
Joy doesn’t always come from big events. Sometimes it’s found in the ordinary – a walk, a shared joke, or sitting together watching the sunset. Friends help us savor these small but powerful moments.
Wrap Up
Friendships are not extras or luxuries in later life: they are essentials. They shape our emotional and physical health, keep us curious and resilient, and fill our days with joy.
If you’ve been feeling a gap in your social circle, don’t despair. Friendships can be rekindled, and new ones can be found, even in unexpected places. It’s never too late to welcome meaningful connections into your life.
Click for free access to my Substack, Retired Way Out There, where I publish a bi-monthly newsletter and handouts.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
How many close friends do you have? Are they long-time friends or more recent ones? How do you nurture those relationships?
