Some people seem to have an incredible gift for building and keeping strong friendships, no matter their age.

Even as they move into their 60s and beyond, their social circles remain full of meaningful connections.

But this isn’t just luck—it’s the result of certain habits.

These people don’t just wait for friendships to happen; they actively nurture them.

They know that strong relationships take effort, and they’re willing to put in the work.

The good news? These habits aren’t a secret.

If you want to build a thriving community of friends later in life, you can start practicing them now.

Here are seven habits that help people stay socially connected well into their 60s and beyond:

1) They make the effort to stay in touch

Friendships don’t last without a little effort, and people who have a strong community of friends later in life know this better than anyone.

They don’t just wait for others to reach out—they take the initiative; they send a quick message, make a phone call, or arrange a time to meet up.

Even small gestures, like checking in after a big event or remembering a friend’s birthday, go a long way.

Life gets busy—and it’s easy to lose touch—but the people who maintain strong friendships well into their 60s and beyond understand that relationships need regular care and attention.

2) They agree to invitations

I used to be the kind of person who would turn down invitations without much thought; I’d tell myself I was too tired, too busy, or that I’d catch up with people another time.

But, as the years went by, I started to notice something—every time I said no, the invitations came less often.

That’s when I realized that staying socially connected isn’t just about reaching out to others; it’s also about being open when they reach out to you.

So I made a change—unless I had a really good reason, I started saying “yes.”

“Yes” to coffee catch-ups, “yes” to group dinners, and “yes” to last-minute plans.

And you know what? My friendships grew stronger.

The more I showed up, the more included I felt.

People who build a strong community of friends in their 60s and beyond understand this—they make an effort to say “yes,” because they know that every invitation is an opportunity to strengthen a connection.

3) They nurture friendships across different age groups

People who maintain a strong community of friends later in life don’t limit themselves to just one social circle.

They build friendships with people of all ages—older, younger, and everywhere in between.

This isn’t just good for keeping life interesting; it also has real benefits.

Older adults with younger friends tend to stay more mentally sharp and socially engaged.

Younger friends get something valuable in return—wisdom, perspective, and a connection to experiences outside their own generation.

Friendships are about connection and the people who stay socially fulfilled in their 60s and beyond understand that the best relationships can come from unexpected places.

4) They create opportunities for connection

Rather than waiting for social plans to come their way, people who build a strong community of friends take the initiative to bring people together.

They don’t just rely on others to organize get-togethers—they make things happen themselves.

It can be as simple as inviting a few friends over for coffee, starting a weekly walking group, or organizing a regular dinner with neighbors.

They understand that friendships thrive when there are opportunities to connect, so they make sure those opportunities exist.

The more they bring people together, the more natural it becomes.

Over time, these small efforts add up to a strong, supportive social circle that lasts well into their 60s and beyond.

5) They let people see the real them

Strong friendships aren’t built on small talk alone.

The people who maintain deep connections later in life understand that real relationships come from being open and honest—not just about the good times, but also the struggles.

They don’t pretend everything is fine when it’s not; they share their worries, admit when they’re feeling lonely, and allow others to do the same.

In doing so, they create space for real connection—the kind that goes beyond surface-level conversations.

When people feel safe to be themselves, friendships become stronger.

Those who have a close community of friends in their 60s and beyond know that true connection comes from showing up as their authentic selves.

6) They embrace new experiences

People who maintain strong friendships later in life don’t just stick to their usual routines—they stay open to new experiences.

Whether it’s joining a book club, learning a new skill, or traveling somewhere they’ve never been, they understand that stepping outside their comfort zone is one of the best ways to meet new people and deepen existing relationships.

Trying something new creates shared memories and gives people something to bond over.

It also keeps life exciting and prevents social circles from shrinking over time.

By staying curious and saying “yes” to new opportunities, they keep their world expanding—and with it, their community of friends.

7) They show up when it matters

Friendships aren’t just about the fun moments—they’re about being there when someone really needs you.

The people who maintain strong connections later in life understand that showing up, whether in times of crisis or celebration, is what truly strengthens relationships.

They check in when a friend is struggling; they offer support without being asked.

Likewise, they remember the important dates—anniversaries, surgeries, big life changes—and make sure their friends don’t go through them alone.

Being present, even in small ways, builds trust and deepens bonds.

The strongest communities are made up of people who know they can count on each other!

Connection is a choice

Strong friendships don’t just happen—they are built, nurtured, and sustained by intentional effort.

Research has shown that social connections are one of the biggest predictors of happiness and longevity.

In fact, a long-term study from Harvard found that close relationships are more important for well-being than wealth or fame.

The people who remain socially fulfilled in their 60s and beyond understand this at a deep level.

They don’t wait for friendships to come to them; they reach out, show up, and make space for meaningful connections in their lives.

Through this, they create something invaluable—a community of people who support, celebrate, and walk through life together.