50+ Lifestyles

The Power of Friendship in our Golden Years

By Milestones Area Agency on Aging

As we age, staying socially connected with friends and loved ones becomes even more important. Strong connections offer a wealth of benefits for our physical and mental well-being and help us live happier, healthier lives.

This May is Older Americans Month and we celebrate the theme “Powered by Connection.” This theme highlights the vital role that social connections play in our lives and how to expand or improve those connections. According to the US Agency on Aging, strong social relationships offer these benefits:

• Combat Loneliness and Isolation: Loneliness is a serious health risk, but strong friendships provide a sense of belonging and purpose. Sharing experiences, laughter, and conversation with friends brings more joy and fulfillment.
• Boost Mental Well-being: Social interaction is a potent stress reliever. Sharing laughter, conversation, and activities with friends reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Encourage Physical Activity: Friends can be great motivators for staying active. Whether it’s going for walks together, participating in a fitness class, or simply exploring new places, friends can make physical activity more enjoyable and lead to a more active lifestyle.

While staying connected with old friends is important, it’s also never too late to make new ones! Here are some ways to embrace the “Powered by Connection” theme and cultivate friendships in your golden years:

• Explore Your Interests: Join a club or group based on your passions. Whether it’s a book club, a photography club, a gardening group, or a walking group, finding a community with shared interests is a great way to meet new people and build friendships. Many community centers, libraries, and senior centers offer a variety of clubs and activities. At Milestones Area Agency on Aging, we offer activities like Tai Chi and Matter of Balance, which improve your physical well-being while also making friends. More information is at MilestonesAAA.org.
• Volunteer in Your Community: Volunteer work is a rewarding way to give back to your community and meet new people at the same time. At Milestones, we are always seeking volunteers to deliver meals to our home-based consumers. Contact us for more information on how you can help: 855-410-6222.
• Visit a Milestones Community Café:  Formerly known as “congregate meal sites,” our Milestones Community Cafés offer daily meals in a social setting throughout Milestones’ 17 counties in Iowa. We welcome anyone over the age of 60, or their spouse of any age, and offer a different meal daily. Some meal sites also offer entertainment (such as bingo, games, and musical acts), educational opportunities (such as speakers and resource tables), and exercise. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, share conversation, and enjoy a nutritious meal – all within a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Visit MilestonesAAA.org for more information.

Investing in strong friendships is an investment in your overall health and well-being. So, reach out, join a group, and cultivate the friendships that will enrich and brighten your life’s journey.

Milestones Iowa Area Agency on Aging promotes a variety of Wellness Programs dedicated to building healthy lifestyles for older adults through education, counseling, and a variety of fitness and wellness classes to help keep you healthy and independent. Want to Learn More?  Call Milestones at (855)-410-6222 or visit milestonesaaa.org.