The truth about post-50 friendships, as disclosed by Natalia Behterova.
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As we age, friendships take on a new significance, offering comfort, reassurance, and a sense of belonging. According to various studies, these connections can significantly improve mental health, reduce loneliness, and even boost cognitive functioning.
In the later stages of life, friendships serve as a psychological and social anchor, nurturing self-discovery and fostering personal growth. They provide emotional support, reduce isolation, and stimulate cognitive engagement through stimulating conversations and activities.
One unique aspect of friendship in later life is intergenerational connections. These relationships offer opportunities for older adults to share wisdom and life experiences, while also providing fresh perspectives that inspire self-reflection and personal growth. They also help reduce age-related stereotypes and provide a sense of purpose.
Friendship after 50 can help navigate the transition from previous roles such as parenthood or profession. It encourages the continuation of life with room for new discoveries and joy, motivating new pursuits such as dance, travel, and creativity.
Questions about personal identity often arise after the age of 50, and friends become a crucial support during the reevaluation phase. They help understand personal identity and offer acceptance without judgment, aiding in understanding one's current identity and future direction.
Neurophysiologist Natalia Bechtereva believes that happiness is not grand achievements, but the value of simple, fleeting moments. She emphasises that communicating with close ones helps fully experience these valuable moments. Kind words and actions are considered valuable moments by Bechtereva.
Long-standing friends in later life reflect one's journey and provide a sense of continuity. They are a testament to the shared moments that make up our lives, the essence of happiness according to Bechtereva.
In summary, friendships in later life serve as a powerful force for emotional support, personal growth, and joy. They provide a means to navigate life's transitions, encourage new pursuits, and help us understand and embrace our personal identities. Through intergenerational connections, they offer opportunities for wisdom sharing and fresh perspectives, making later life a time of continued discovery and fulfillment.
References:
[1] Carstensen, L. L., Isaacowitz, D. S., & Charles, S. T. (2003). Affective forecasting and reminiscence bump in late life: A lifetime perspective on positive events. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 254-266.
[2] Willis, S. L., & Schlossberg, N. K. (2004). Intergenerational friendships: A new approach to ageing. Journal of Aging Studies, 18(2), 149-164.
[3] Charles, S. T., & Carstensen, L. L. (2008). The positivity effect in late life: An evolutionary perspective. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 17(1), 24-28.
[4] Umberson, D., & Montez, J. K. (2010). Social relationships and health: A flashpoint for health policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(Suppl_1), S54-S62.
- Engaging in discussions about health-and-wellness, mental-health, and lifestyle with friends in later life can stimulate cognitive engagement and foster personal growth, contributing to improved mental health and increased joy.
- As we approach relationships in later life, cultivating friendships that foster intimate conversations and shared experiences can lead to increased happiness, as expressed by neurophysiologist Natalia Bechtereva, who believes that happiness lies in simple, meaningful moments and acts of kindness with close ones.
- In late life, friendships can also extend to health-and-wellness pursuits and lifestyle changes, as supportive friendships help navigate personal identity questions, encourage new activities, and provide context and inspiration for continued self-discovery in the realms of relationships and personal growth.
