Friendships are one of the most important ingredients for a happy life. Whether you are six or sixty or beyond, having friends is one of life’s greatest joys. We receive many emails from readers about how important friends are in retirement. They are someone to have fun with, someone to listen to you, someone to help, and someone to care. As you REWIRE into your next act, they go with you.
Friends are as the song goes there “in good times and in bad times.” You may call them buddies, or mates, or chums, or girlfriends, or guy friends. What is important is that they are the people in your life who help you celebrate events, provide support when things in your life go wrong, and are those individuals at the other end of the phone, text or email who you can share your life with. Without friends we can easily become isolated and alone. Isolation and loneliness are the road markers on the way to depression.
Like anything else, friends need to be nurtured. If you haven’t heard from a friend, call them, or text them. If you haven’t seen each other in a while, make a date to get together. A simple act of communication can make someone else’s day. No one wants to be forgotten especially by someone they consider a friend. It’s easy to say, “Gee, I haven’t heard from so and so. I guess they’re busy.” Don’t assume that they are. Perhaps they have run into a problem that has distracted them or worse have a health issue that has altered their life. They would love to hear from you!
Guys have a particular problem. Studies show that the average male has one to two friends. If one moves away, there goes fifty percent of their friends. That’s why it’s so important to continue to make friends as you get older. Granted, they won’t be lifelong. It takes time. Start out making acquaintances. Spend time together. Perhaps you can find them through a common interest or hobby. You may be surprised to find out they are looking for friends, too.
Rick’s mother at age 94 had an interesting take on friends. One day she held up her address book and asked Rick what it was (she was totally possessed of all her faculties). He said, “It’s your address book, Mom.” She responded, “No. It’s the book of the dead. But the names in here include some of the best friends anyone could ever have.” She may have outlived them, but she cherished their memories. Call a friend.
