In the age of technology and social media, genuine friendships endure the test of time, yet certain activities can add value to our lives and make us feel youthful and content. Whether fostering existing friendships or forming new ones, investing in meaningful connections can enrich our lives and create lasting memories. Let’s explore some intriguing statistics from our recent survey on friendships: 44.4% of Samarth seniors wanted to prioritise nurturing existing friendships and 29.6% of Samarth seniors actively seek to make new friends regularly. Given that a significant majority (70.4%) of Samarth seniors reported increased happiness due to friendships, it is crucial to remain open to building new relationships and reinforcing old ones. Here are 4 things you can do to strengthen your friendships:
1. Discover new places and experiences
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Travel not only benefits our mental and emotional well-being, as numerous studies suggest, but 81.8% of Samarth seniors who have travelled recently can attest to this firsthand! Experiencing new places and cultures is even more rewarding when shared with friends. Group travel often leads to the creation of lasting bonds, as 40.9% of seniors experienced. Moreover, 63.6% mentioned that travel inspired them to explore new hobbies and interests, providing a fresh perspective on life.
Samarth offers tailored tours designed to cater to senior travel preferences, emphasizing safety and comfort. Encouragingly, 37% of seniors expressed a preference for traveling with friends, with 68.2% citing strengthened relationships with loved ones as a result. So, why wait? Pack your bags and embark on new adventures with your companions!
2. Learn something new
Keeping our minds active and engaged is essential for cognitive well-being. Learning new skills, such as a language, musical instrument, or artistic pursuit, not only stimulates our brains but also fosters social interactions. Observing 25.9% of Samarth seniors engaging in learning activities with friends, we encourage you to establish local learning groups with your friends. Group learning facilitates faster progress and mutual support, whether through physical gatherings or virtual meetups. Don’t let mobility constraints hinder your quest for knowledge—learning knows no age limits! Embrace a new skill, be it swimming, Zumba, or playing the guitar, and bond with like-minded individuals.
3. Give back to the community
Contributing to society is a profound source of joy and fulfilment. Engaging in active participation with resident associations and local volunteer initiatives not only benefits others but also provides opportunities to forge new friendships. In fact, 33.3% of seniors mentioned making new connections through such neighbourhood gatherings. So, make a difference and experience the satisfaction of giving back.
4. Join local social clubs
Social clubs within your neighbourhood can offer wonderful avenues for connecting with others who share common interests. Whether focusing on leisure activities or meaningful community initiatives like Lions Club International and Rotary International, these clubs provide opportunities to build lasting bonds while making a positive impact on society. Exploring such clubs can lead to meeting new friends, as expressed by 11.1% of our survey respondents.
Ultimately, the way you cultivate and maintain friendships is a personal choice. What truly matters is nurturing these connections, as 66.6% of our seniors highlighted the adverse effects of lacking close friendships—loneliness and reduced social engagement can affect mental and physical well-being. Therefore, cherish your friendships and celebrate them in any way you can.
