Ever noticed how some folks can make the best of friends at any age?

We’re not talking about casual friends here, we’re talking about real, close buddies. What’s their secret?

As we get older, say in our 50s or beyond, life gets busy.

Work, family, and even a little ‘me’ time – it feels like there’s just no room for new people.

But here’s a secret – it’s doable!

Many people even say they found their best friends in their 50s. These friendships are some of the most special ones they’ve had!

So, how do they do it? They have specific habits that help them make these amazing friendships.

And guess what? You can learn these habits too!

Keep reading to find out more. Who knows? Your next best friend might be right around the corner!

1) Keep an open mind

One of the key habits of people who find true friendship in their 50s and beyond is keeping an open mind.

As we get older, it’s easy to get stuck in our ways. We might think we know exactly what type of person we get along with, or what kind of activities we enjoy.

But often, new friendships come from unexpected places.

Maybe you’ll bond with someone over a shared love for a hobby you’ve never tried before. Or perhaps you’ll click with someone who’s completely different from your usual crowd.

Keep an open mind. Be ready to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. You never know where or when you might meet your next friend!

2) Stay active and social

Staying active both physically and socially is another habit of those who cultivate meaningful friendships in their golden years.

Physical activity is not just good for your health – it’s also a fantastic way to meet new people. Whether it’s a yoga class, a walking group, or a dance lesson, shared activities create opportunities for connection.

Similarly, being social isn’t just about going to parties. It can be as simple as striking up a conversation with your neighbor, volunteering for a local charity, or joining a community group.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. That’s often where the magic of friendship happens!

3) Embrace technology

Technology can be a great tool for making new friends, even for those of us in our 50s and beyond.

Now, I know that technology can sometimes feel a bit daunting.

But let me share a personal story. A few years ago, I didn’t know the first thing about social media or online networking.

Then one day, my daughter showed me how to join a book club on a social media platform. I hesitated at first, but then I decided to give it a shot. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made!

Through that online book club, I met people from all over the world who share my love for literature. We discussed our favorite books, recommended new reads to each other, and made some wonderful connections along the way.

So, don’t shy away from technology. It can open up a whole new world of potential friendships. After all, it worked for me!

4) Be a good listener

An essential trait that people who make strong friendships in their 50s and beyond often possess is being a good listener.

Good listeners are actually more likely to have stronger friendships.

When we listen to others, we create an atmosphere of empathy and understanding, which can help deepen our relationships.

So, next time you’re having a conversation, try to focus more on listening rather than speaking.

Show genuine interest in what the other person has to say. It might just be the key to forming your next meaningful friendship!

5) Show empathy

One of the most beautiful traits any of us can have, especially when building meaningful friendships in our 50s and beyond, is empathy.

Empathy is about more than just understanding someone else’s feelings. It’s about truly feeling with someone, sharing in their joy and their pain.

When we show empathy, we tell people that they’re not alone in whatever they’re going through. And in a world where it’s easy to feel isolated, especially as we age, that can mean everything.

Show empathy to the people you meet. Let them know you’re there for them in both good times and bad.

This heartfelt connection could be the foundation of an incredible friendship.

6) Stay positive

Let me share a personal anecdote here. A few years ago, I went through a challenging period in my life. Everything seemed to be going wrong, and I found myself growing more negative by the day.

One day, a close friend pulled me aside and said, “Your negativity is pushing people away”. It was tough to hear, but it was the wake-up call I needed.

From that day forward, I made a conscious effort to stay positive. No matter what life throws at me, I try to find the silver lining. 

And guess what? Not only did I start feeling better about myself, but I also noticed people were more drawn to me.

Try to stay positive. Even when things get tough, remember that every cloud has a silver lining. Your positivity might just attract your next great friend!

7) Be yourself

We’ve all been there – pretending to like a certain type of music or movie just because we think it’ll make us seem cool. Or maybe you’ve bitten your tongue when you disagreed with someone, just to avoid rocking the boat.

But here’s the raw truth: true friends will accept you for who you are, quirks and all. Pretending to be someone else is exhausting, and it doesn’t lead to authentic connections.

Be yourself. Let your true colors shine. After all, those are the colors that will attract your true friends.

8) Maintain existing relationships

While making new friends is important, so is maintaining your existing relationships. People who form strong friendships in their 50s and beyond know this well.

Here’s an interesting fact: according to research, long-term friendships might even be more beneficial to our well-being than family relationships.

Long-lasting friendships are like fine wine – they get better with age. So, take the time to nurture your existing friendships. Reconnect with old friends, reminisce about shared memories, and continue making new ones.

Remember, true friendship isn’t about being there when it’s convenient; it’s about being there when it’s not.

9) Take initiative

Taking the initiative is another habit of people who make great friends in their 50s and beyond.

A few years back, I noticed a new neighbor had moved in across the street. I could have just waved and said hello from my driveway, but instead, I decided to take the initiative.

I baked some cookies and walked over to introduce myself. We ended up chatting for hours, and today, that neighbor is one of my closest friends.

So, don’t wait for people to come to you. Whether it’s inviting a coworker for coffee or striking up a conversation with someone at your local library, take the first step.

You might be surprised by how much of a difference it makes!

10) Accept change

Let’s be brutally honest here. Change is inevitable.

As we age, we go through countless life changes – retirement, health issues, and the loss of loved ones. It’s tough, but it’s also a part of life.

People who make true friends in their 50s and beyond learn to accept change. They understand that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. They embrace the twists and turns of life and use them as opportunities to grow and meet new people.

Try not to resist change. It might be scary, but it could also lead you to your next best friend.

11) Practice patience

Last but definitely not least, let’s get real about patience.

Finding true friendships isn’t a race. It takes time to build deep connections, and that’s okay.

People who make great friends in their 50s and beyond know this well. They understand that friendships aren’t built overnight – they’re slowly cultivated with time, trust, and shared experiences.

So, don’t rush it. Be patient with yourself and others. Remember, good things take time – and great friendships are worth the wait!