Entering into this third age of life can be daunting in so many ways. Having fewer friends and finding it increasingly difficult to make new relationships can be one of the greatest challenges. It is, however, one of the most important areas in our lives from now on and must be given much energy and thought. To create a rich social and family life for yourself is as important for keeping yourself fit and healthy as taking regular exercise and eating sensible food. We are social creatures to our core and need to feel in touch with others.

We are social creatures

In recent decades society has a lot to make things harder for us, not easier. Families are smaller and more fragmented. Divorce is common and children leave home and take jobs far away. Television is the big entertainer and food can be collected from the supermarket without exchanging a word with anyone. Many more people live alone these days and the opportunities presented for meeting people and talking can be considerably reduced.

As with everything else, all is not lost. If you appreciate that you need to find more friends to make life more meaningful, there is an enormous amount out there. How, when and what you is up to you. To spend time developing relationships, new friends with different interests are times well spent. Caring for those friends and investing in their lives can be rewarding and enriching. Becoming involved with new people and fresh ideas will keep your mind active and your interest alive. The more you do, the more people you meet the richer your life will become.

You have to find your way of developing a strong social network. You might find sport a good way forward. Playing golf or tennis or joining the local dance club. People run theatre groups and book clubs not to mention bridge groups or gardening clubs. Dating Agencies are there for people wanting closer relationships and social groups will organise activities where anyone can join. The list of possibilities is endless.