International Friendship Month: 3 Ways Seniors Can Rekindle Old Friendships

February is International Friendship Month and the perfect opportunity to celebrate and recognize the special people we call friends. These connections boost mental health, reduce loneliness, and provide emotional support during difficult times.

Maintaining friendships is especially beneficial for seniors. Close platonic relationships reduce stress, strengthen immunity, mitigate feelings of isolation, and motivate older adults to adopt healthy lifestyle habits.

However, as we age, we can lose touch with friends. Reigniting old friendships can be tricky for seniors, but it is possible. Here are three ways seniors can reconnect with close friends from their past.

1.Take Advantage of Social Media

Nowadays, almost everyone has a Facebook or Instagram profile, including seniors. One of the easiest ways to rekindle old friendships is to track these individuals down on social media. Type their name into the search bar and see who pops up. If the person was a high school or college friend, you most likely have some classmates in common.

Double-check their social media profile to confirm who you think they are before messaging them. Reach out with a friendly message about why you’re excited to reconnect with them. However, it’s important to be mindful of their digital comfort zone. If they don’t respond right away, resist the urge to send a follow-up message.

2. Go to a Class Reunion

Is your 40^th or 50^th high school reunion coming up? Attending reunions is a great way to catch up with old friends. Visit your high school’s Facebook page to learn more about upcoming reunions. You can also call or email your high school or college to learn who is in charge of planning reunions.

Don’t want to go to a school reunion? Look into other social events that old classmates or colleagues might attend. These could be work reunions, family gatherings, church events, or parties hosted by mutual friends.

Visit local community centers, including WFB Lyndell Community Center, to learn if they are hosting events your old friends might attend.

3.Send a Letter

Do you know your old friend’s address? If so, consider sending them a letter. This is a personal way to reconnect. Let them know what you’ve been up to all these years, and express your desire to rekindle your relationship over coffee or lunch.

Tips for Reconnecting with Old Friends

Use these tips to make re-sparking old friendships as simple as possible:

 ●Be patient: Rekindling friendships that have faded takes time. Don’t feel discouraged if your past friend takes a while to get back to you.

 ●Be honest: Share your intentions as to why you want to rekindle the friendship. This shows that your actions are meaningful. Express how your old friend added value to your life and tell them how much you’ve missed them.

Make New Friends with Some Help from Right at Home of Whitefish Bay, WI

New friendships can be just as meaningful as old ones. If you want to expand your social circle, Right at Home of Whitefish Bay, WI, can help. Our in-home companion caregivers can drive you to events and participate in your favorite pastimes with you. They also provide healthy meal preparation and personal grooming services to help you look and feel your best.

Contact Right at Home of Whitefish Bay, WI, today at (414) 877-1635 to learn more. We’re excited to hear from you!