Where did everyone go? - Friendships after 50

We have all been there, our lives become so busy with career, family, domestic chores and the day to day activities of life, or we are so wrapped up in dealing with health, relationship challenges (be it family, romantic, work, etc.)  that we neglect our friendships. Then, when the dust settles, we look up and wonder where did everyone go? Well, the friends that are like family will still be there - but it's up to you to reach out and start reconnecting and rebuilding that friendship/bond. 

What about when your friends are busy with their lives and while you get together once in awhile, you find yourself spending more time on your own, wishing you had someone to do things with. As adults many of our social connections that evolve into friendships are made through work, play dates, and social invites. When children grow up, we (semi)/ retire, working for our self - think working from home - and less involvement in community occurs, it lessens our interactions with others; thus making friends later in life may not come as easy as it once did. But, it's not impossible, there are many opportunities outside a work environment to connect with others and make friendships.

Coffee Shop Shuffle
Whether you are reading your favourite book or working on your lap top, pick 2-3 cafes and make it a point to frequent them during the week. You will get to know the staff and see familiar faces who are doing the same thing. Over time (if not from the get go - if you are someone who can strike up a conversation) you can strike up a dialogue and get to know others - you never know who you may meet.

Facebook Groups
There are so many wonderful Facebook Groups for women, find ones that resonate with you and be active - commenting, participating in discussions and posting inspirational thoughts.  Some amazing groups are Forever Fierce Revolution, The Travelling Sisterhood, and our own group Resilientista Private Women's Group. These friendships that start on-line can often translate to in-real-life friendships, especially if you live in the same city or close by.

Shared Working-Space & Women's Clubs
More and more women only working spaces and clubs are popping up. in Toronto Verity - offers a unique venue for women to enrich their lives- creating new life experiences and inspiring business opportunities through real connections; Make Lemonade - a community of women-identified people working hard to turn their goals into reality; are worth checking out.

On-line Connection Apps
Our friendship circle diminishes for many reasons: divorce, move to new city, loss of loved one, our interests in activities change, etc. Thankfully there are apps to help women connect with other women who are looking to expand their friendship circle. Check out Bumble BFF , MeetUp, Hey! Vina

Friendships are important to our health, they can help extend our life expectancy and lower the chances of heart disease.  Our gal pals can be the ones who get us through the challenging times and help us see all the small accomplishments we are making along our journey to creating our  next chapter of life. And there is real science to back up the importance of friendship.

How are you expanding your friendship circle?