Much research has been done around the health benefits of friendship, showing the positive correlation between the two, particularly as we age. In fact, it can increase a person’s life expectancy by as much as 22 percent. However, maintaining friendships seems to come easier for women than men.

Why is this?

For starters, male friendships are often formed around mutual activities such as sports or work. They don’t focus on what is going on psychologically, as women tend to do. Consciously or otherwise, many men avoid talking about personal matters, and when you don’t have an emotional connection with someone, maintaining a friendship becomes more difficult without constant interaction.

Suffice it to say, once men retire from work, stop attending their Oldtimers Hockey games, or miss a few guys’ nights out, it is harder for them to stay connected with one another.

Experts have found that a regular rhythm of get-togethers helps sustain male relationships. So it is best to develop a pattern of activities rather than making irregular plans to see each another. One way to do this is to start a club; be it a book, dinner, biking club or anything else of interest that maintains a consistent weekly or monthly schedule.

Once you have one activity going it will be easier to add to it, meeting more people and creating stronger relationships as you go.

While a plan like this may sound easy enough in theory, the question then becomes where will you find people to participate? Amintro is a safe and simple solution.

With the Amintro app you become part of a community designed exclusively for those 50 plus. This platform is intended for older adults who want to connect with those they might not otherwise meet in their community; it facilitates friendships, expands social circles and helps boomers and seniors overcome loneliness. Strong foundations and friendships are often built on similar life experiences, interests and values. This app will help you find those you can connect with easily, then get out and live life to its fullest.

Membership to Amintro is free and you can register on our website or download the app from Google Play or the App Store.

Learn more about Amintro, our community and how to become an Amintronian by following us on Twitter: @AmintroFriends, or liking us on Facebook: AmintroFriends.

Written by Christine Tompa