Reaching half a century is a milestone - a time when we're wiser, calmer and more confident. But life may also feel at its most demanding. This is the age of the sandwich generation, when many of us are supporting elderly parents while raising kids - not to mention juggling jobs, partners and health issues. It is, quite possibly, when we need our friends the most, but friendships are often the ball we drop.
We may be too busy to maintain long-term friendships, especially if distance is a factor, or too tired to nurture new acquaintances. Yet research shows friendships should be a priority. Feeling socially connected helps us live longer, says Lydia Denworth, author of Friendship: The Evolution, Biology and Extraordinary Power of Life's Fundamental Bond*. 'Our bodies and brains are hardwired for friendship because there are evolutionary advantages to being good at making and maintaining friends,' she says. "It improves cardiovascular functioning, our immune system, cognitive and mental health, our stress responses and the quality of our sleep!
But what if your best friend has moved away, or you're divorced or widowed, and your 'couple friends' have fallen by the wayside? Perhaps your children are older and the camaraderie you had with other parents has ebbed away? Or you're working from home, retired or your health is affecting your ability to get out. 'As we get older, we have fewer opportunities for ritualised socialising,' says psychotherapist Charlotte Fox Weber, author of What We Want** 'Schools and offices are gathering spaces, and it can feel less awkward to socialise with people you see on a regular basis. There's a sense of belonging, and the shared system bolsters connections and togetherness.
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Woman & Home UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2023 edition of Woman & Home UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Welcome to ENGLISH WINE COUNTRY
Ellen Himelfarb discovers palate-tingling wines and warm hospitality among the sunlit slopes and flint villages of Sussex
Naturally STYLISH
Combining mindfulness ideas and natural materials, this country house - built by Lisa and David Wallace – exudes beauty, calm and serenity
Make ANXIETY Your superpower
Embracing worrying thoughts might be more beneficial than suppressing them, says Samantha Wood
I hope the kids have my self-confidence
Author and presenter Richard Madeley reflects on the early days of parenting, and watching his family grow
Love..OR LIES?
Romance fraud is, sadly, on the increase - meet two women affected and find out how to stay safe
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A...PROBATION OFFICER
Meet Sarah Port, 40, deputy head of the Probation Delivery Unit in North Essex
Could YOU live on your PENSION?
Surviving on the minimum retirement living standard for a week shocked Faith Archer into increasing her contributions
We're having a FASHION moment
And long may it continue, says Wendy Rigg, charting the rise of midlife fashion
There really is NO PLACE LIKE HOME
But when Yorkshire-woman Sharon Wright fetched up in Surbiton, which would hold that special place in her affections?
Older & bolder
One of our favourite comedians, Helen Lederer, has finally sent imposter syndrome to Room 101