Friendships don’t stop mattering as we get older — but they do change. And sometimes, building or maintaining those connections feels a little more complicated in this stage of life.

In this honest conversation, Jane Leder (host of Older Women and Friends) and I talk honestly about what friendships look like now — when life has taken us down different paths, when old friends have moved away, or when we simply find ourselves craving meaningful connection again. We open up about our own experiences — the friendships we’ve grown, the ones we’ve let go of, and the surprising places we’ve found new friends (even a few much younger than us!).

We also share some very real, practical ways to create and nurture friendships in your third act — even if your energy, mobility, or opportunities feel limited. From reaching out to someone new, to joining groups, to stretching just a bit outside your comfort zone, there are ways to build relationships that matter.

If you’ve ever felt like making friends “at this age” is harder than it used to be, you aren't wrong. It is different and doesn't seem to happen as naturally as it once did — and it’s never too late to create new connections that bring joy, laughter, and support into your life.

Takeaways:

• Friendship in later life will require intentional effort and adaptability.
• Cultivating new friendships necessitates stepping out of your comfort zone and being proactive.
• Intergenerational friendships can enrich our lives, providing fresh perspectives and shared experiences.
• We talked about the quality of friendships over the quantity of friendships in our later years.
• We shared many practical ideas for finding new friends, some of which may surprise you.

Links referenced in this episode:

• Jane Leder is host of "Older Women and Friends," which can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.
• Join the Boomer Banter email list for inspirational content. Go to heyboomer.biz and click on Age Well With Us.
• Join the AARP Ethel newsletter and join us next week as we explore friendships with The Ethels.