Challenges

Remember hanging out after school with friends? Your pals were always close by for chatting, laughing and acting silly. But as we get older, friends can be harder to find. Over time, our circle of buddies can be chipped away by moves to new towns, deaths, busy schedules, kids becoming adults, job changes, disagreements or divorce.
Spending time with friends may not always feel like a top priority, but it is important for your health and happiness. Staying socially connected as you age is linked to better physical, mental and cognitive health, and even a longer life, according to a 2023 advisory from the U.S. surgeon general, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” The advisory echoes the Global Council on Brain Health 2017 report “The Brain and Social Connectedness,“ which states that “evidence suggests a positive impact of social engagement on brain health.”
Unfortunately, too many people lack strong social ties. The number of close friendships adults have has dropped significantly in the last few decades, according to a 2021 American Enterprise Institute survey, and recent studies suggest that roughly half of adults experience loneliness. The potential health consequences of chronic loneliness and isolation are serious: an increased risk of dementia, depression, heart disease and stroke — and a significantly higher risk of early death.
If your social circle has shrunk over the years, try these five tips to start reaching out and connecting.
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