Take the next step with me! Join my Membership and be part of an uplifting community, with exclusive workouts, nutrition tips, and challenges we’ll do together!

Join Today!
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