We focus on joyful and positive relationships.
Social bond is essential at any age, and especially when you get older. It contributes to daily well-being, longevity and considerably reduces the risks of physical and cognitive diseases (hypertension, weight gain, dementia …). “”A study even showed that having at least 4 to 6 close friends considerably increased mental health. But even the simplest daily interactions exert a considerable influence on mental health and general well-being“, Specifies Dr. Eva Ritvo, psychiatrist and speaker. When you are a child, teenager or young adult, making friends is relatively easy. On the other hand, it is much more intimidating when we get older, when you are retired or you are an isolated” senior “, but it is quite possible provided you have the right state of mind, to be open, accessible and patient.
“”To expand your social circle after 60 years, there are some key tips to remember“, According to the expert. The first is to register for a local community center or a club for people of her age that offer social events, activities or even meals. This can be a reading club, a cooking class, a language course, a game club … Likewise, volunteering allows you to meet potential friends who share the same values as you. Cultural events like Galeries of Art concerts are also a great way to meet people who share your interests.
Obviously, sport is a vector of social ties. “”Whether in the gym (yoga lessons, pilates, aquagym …) or in a Nordic walking club for example, the practice of physical activity helps to tie a link and this gives an opportunity to speak with people of different horizons. Because you have to be honest, many people who had an intense social life, tend to isolate themselves from the age of 60, because they are in reduction of working time, at the start of retirement and they no longer see many people“, Complete Saliha Hioul, certified professional coach and sophrologist-therapist. Finally, many organizations offer specially designed and adapted group trips for the elders, a fun and enriching way of meeting people.
At 60, we don’t look for the same friendships as 20 or 30 years old. “”With age, the prospect of the future changes: we have less time to live, our priorities evolve and we tend to focus on socio-emotional objectives and to favor less numerous but narrower links“. We also tend to be more indulgent and positive towards these chosen contacts, seeking to savor the life and time that we have to live together. In other words, we focus on joyful and positive relationships, which stimulate us intellectually and which allow us to share common interests. This is what psychologists call” the positivity effect “.
