The Best Medicine

Socializing later in life is fundamental. The experts are all in agreement: friends are essential to maintaining good health as we age, both mentally and physically. When I look back over the winter months in Florida and reflect upon old and new friendships, I am warmed by the knowledge that socializing among us older folks contributes to our well-being. There is the occasion when a longstanding friend finds one’s behavior under changed circumstances objectionable and breaks off. In my case, I lost friends, a married couple, after my wife passed away, and they found my new life displeasing. Sadly, they are no longer part of my circle, which has grown tighter over the years.

In my mind, I group my Florida friends into categories: concerts, men’s luncheon group, college, and then there are my high school/childhood friends from Western New York. My concert friends are fellow music enthusiasts and supporters of the Palm Beach Chamber Music Society. My men’s luncheon group meets monthly to discuss current events over TooJays deli catering. My college friends and I exchange book recommendations and, of course, discuss our alma mater, Rutgers. My friends from high school are my oldest and dearest friends who gather each summer at my fishing camp in Maine to talk about the past, present—and the future. Our times together become more precious as we age and battle health issues.

My friends and I share many similarities, although politically there are differences as expected. Yet the commonality of most of our backgrounds levels us. Many are first-generation Americans. Many are the first in their family to go to college. All have been successful both in their professions and in life. All have felt loss. We share the commonality of all these emotions. So here I am later in life talking about socializing, and it is just as important to me now as it was when I was a teenager—though now my health depends on it. The warmth and enthusiasm of friends, old and new, truly is the best medicine.