It’s time for this month’sTell Us About….a link up hosted by some lovely ladies (including me) from all over the world. You can see who they are at the end of the post and I encourage you to visit their blogs and check out what they have written for this month’s prompt.
Each month one of the members selects a topic/prompt and this month it isTell Us About……Friends and FriendshipThis month’s prompt was suggested by the lovely Penny from Frugal Fashion Shopper and as usual I’m trying to think outside of the box with my contribution to the prompt.
Why Age-Gap Friendships are a part of Ageing Well
Part of Ageing Well is to stay connected. Most of us know that but who make up your circle of friends? Are they all around the same age as you? Many of us would answer ‘yes’ because we feel that we have more in common with our peers and feel comfortable in this type of friendship. These friendships are certainly valid and cherished and I adore my friends who are of my generation. We have loads in common, we laugh and have fun together and we get each other.
But……
Friendship has no age barrier
However there are many benefits to looking past the number and discovering new friendships that have no age barrier. Some time ago, I read about‘Age-Gap Friendship’and it backed up what I have always thought. I’ve always had friendships and relationships with people from all stages of life. I’ve written before about working with some women, young enough to be my daughters who encouraged me to start running. They didn’t see me as a 50 year old woman, I was just Sue and we had some fun times together. They certainly encouraged and helped me step out of my comfort zone.
I also have a treasured friendship with my cousin who, although in her 80s has always and continues to be my mentor and an inspiration to me. We share not only family ties, as my cousin, she is the last link to my Mum as both Mum and Dad regarded her as more of a daughter than a niece. We have always been close although she is 17 years older than I am.
Carole, is an intelligent woman who is interested in politics, art, reading and life in general. She regularly attends literary lunches and outings with friends as well as travelling when she can. I value our friendship and our conversations despite not living in the same state as each other. I’ve learned so much from her.
“We tend to seek out people who we believe are similar to us – social status, experiences, looks, age,”
“Benefits of age-gap friendships include learning from one another’s experiences, developing empathy for people of different ages and possibly (though I’m not sure of the evidence for this) having a different perspective on life as a result of knowing someone older/younger well.
“Cross-generational friendships allow us to be ourselves without as many expectations of what our lives are ‘supposed’ to be focused on at any given stage, and they can be among the most meaningful and cherished of relationships.”
Benefits of Age-Gap Friendships
Different Generations bring different experiences, ideas and opportunities
Younger friends challenge our thinking and beliefs
Older friends can provide life experience and mentor younger friends
Younger friends keep you more active
You may be introduced to new interests and hobbies
Conversations have more variety – whether your friend is younger or older than you, conversations are never dull as they discuss what is happening in their life’s journey.
It is easier to stay current – you are introduced to the latest trends and popular culture. This helps you stay in touch and connected with the world. It helps us to stay vital and youthful
You aren’t invisible – the friendship is not based on age but respect
Do you think Age-Gap friendships can work? I’d love to hear your thoughts and your experiences.
Gail fromIs This MuttonIt’s not always easy making friends in later life. Gail from Is This Mutton has some ideas on how to find your next BFF. Find her post athttps://www.isthismutton.com
Deb fromDeb’s World(Australia)–For this month’s lovely prompt of Friends and Friendship, Debbie is sharing a story from a few years ago, all about friendship and making lifelong friends in the world of blogging.Find her post athttps://www.debs-world.com
Marsha, fromMarsha In the Middle –Marsha wrote about her golden friends in a post in 2022. She has used parts of that postto talk about the definition of friends and friendship.Find her post athttps://marshainthemiddle.com/.
Penny fromFrugal Fashion Shopper–Penny looks back at friends she had during her childhood and reflects on how friendships change over the years. She notes how important her current friends are and how we all communicate now as opposed to the past.Find her post athttps://frugalfashionshopper.co.uk/
Mary Katherine fromMK’s Adventures–Mary Katherine reflects on long-friendship gold, friendships lost, and new friendships at midlife.Find her post here:https://mksadventure.com/
Australian blogger Jill fromGrownup GlamourI have explored the changing nature of friendships throughout our lives and the importance of friends as we age. Find her post athttps://grown-upglamour.com
Hobby: LARPing, Kitesurfing, Sewing, Digital arts, Sand art, Gardening, Dance
Introduction: My name is Amb. Frankie Simonis, I am a hilarious, enchanting, energetic, cooperative, innocent, cute, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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