​How to stay connected with friends as you get older

Collaborative Post | As we get older, it can become more challenging to maintain meaningful connections with our friends. Busy schedules, family responsibilities, and geographical distance can all get in the way. However, maintaining close relationships with friends is vital for our overall wellbeing and happiness. In this blog post, we will discuss a few ways to stay connected to your friends.  

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Get better at answering phone calls

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to rely on social media or messaging apps to stay in touch with friends. However, it's essential to remember the value of a good old-fashioned phone call. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with answering phone calls, especially when they come from someone we haven't spoken to in a while. You could decide to shoot your friend a text or switch to video chat if that makes you feel less worried.
 
When it comes to answering calls from numbers we don’t recognise, it’s normal to be anxious. Instead of ignoring calls from numbers you don’t know, ask yourself the question ‘who called me?’ and whether it could be a friend that changed their number. Search the number online to investigate further and find out whether it’s a scam or a long-lost pal.

Be present in the moment

When you're spending time with your friends, it's essential to be present in the moment. Put away your phone and avoid distractions. Listen actively and show interest in what your friend is saying. Being present in the moment can help deepen your connection and make your time together more meaningful.

Make an effort to celebrate milestones

Celebrating milestones is an excellent way to stay connected with your friends. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary or promotion, taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate these milestones can strengthen your bond. You can send a card, flowers or a small gift to show your support and let your friend know you're thinking of them.

​Do activities together

One way to maintain friendships is to do activities together. Shared activities give you something to look forward to and a reason to see each other regularly. You can also create new memories and strengthen your bond by trying new things together.
 
One activity that you could consider is playing sports together. Playing a sport with friends is an excellent way to stay connected and stay healthy. You could join a local sports club together, or organize a weekly game of volleyball, tennis or badminton at a nearby park. Not only will you get the physical benefits of exercise, but you'll also have fun with your friends while doing it.
 
Another activity that you could consider is going to concerts or festivals together. If you and your friends have similar music tastes, attending concerts or festivals can be an exciting way to spend time together. You can also plan a weekend away to attend a music festival, which will give you plenty of time to catch up and make new memories together.

And if you have lost contact with a loved one or close friend then it is still possible to get in touch, find out how we trace people, and enjoy reunions and look forward to lots of time to reminisce,  


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post