Skip to content
Denise Austin

Fit Over 50: Strong Body, Strong Mind - Ask Denise!

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Uncategorized
Strengthening Relationships

Welcome readers of my Fit over 50: Strong Body, Strong Mind magazine! I get asked a lot about to strengthen relationships that may have gotten sidetracked.. and I am here to help! Friendships are so important, especially as we age. But sometimes life gets in the way - kids, jobs, commitments... all can (and often should) take center stage in your life. Keeping up friendships is work - but it's the best kind of work!! Try these tactics to reconnect with friends, and keep those bonds STRONG!!


1) Reach out and reconnect. A phone call, text, email... chances are the person will be so happy to hear from you. If it is someone you really want to reconnect with, it is worth a try!

2) Schedule friend dates. I find that if it is on my calendar, it happens! Schedule a lunch, pickleball game, a walk or a trip to a musuem or shopping. Any kind of in-person experience is valuable!

3) Schedule calls. I have friends that live all over the country, and scheduling regular check-ins works. And if you are short on time, say so right at the start - five minutes of conversation can be just as good as 30!

4) Start group texts. I do this with my sisters - some of my BEST friends!! - and it is so fun to reminisce and share things you think the group would enjoy. You could start a cooking group with friends who cook, a book group for the readers in your life - you get the idea!

5) Simply say thanks. Everyone loves to hear that they have made an impact on your life, so send a hand written note or email just telling the person how much they mean to you. Simple, effective, and bond-strengthening.

And if you are looking to make new friends, some of the best ways I have discovered is to volunteer and to join a group. I made so many new friends when I began playing pickleball, so give it a try! You can do it!!

xoxo, Denise