While most of our friends tend to be part of our peer group, venturing outside of people our own age when forming our social circles can actually be incredibly beneficial.
Having friends of different ages not only diversifies your group, but it also keeps things exciting and teaches you a lot about yourself and the world. Here’s why a few pals who are older and younger might be just what you need.
1. You get an expanded perspective on life.
Friends of different ages offer unique viewpoints shaped by their generational experiences. Younger friends might introduce you to new trends and technologies, while older friends can provide historical context and wisdom gained from years of experience. Such a solid mix of perspectives can broaden your understanding of the world.
2. You get some pretty unique learning opportunities.
Each generation has its own set of skills and knowledge. Younger friends might teach you about the latest social media platforms or current slang, while older friends could share practical life skills or professional insights. You’ll be shocked at how much you learn.
3. You break down age stereotypes.
Interacting with people of various ages helps dispel stereotypes and prejudices about different generations. You might find that your assumptions about “millennials” or “boomers” are challenged when you become friends with people from these groups.
4. You develop more empathy and understanding.
Friendships across age groups can encourage greater empathy. You get insight into the challenges and joys of different life stages, helping you better understand and relate to people of all ages in your community and workplace.
5. You might be able do a bit of career networking.
From a practical standpoint, having friends of different ages can be helpful for your career. Younger friends might help you stay current in your field, while older friends could provide mentorship or valuable industry connections.
6. It’s good for your personal growth.
Source: Unsplash Age-diverse friendships often push us out of our comfort zones. They challenge our established ways of thinking and behaving, promoting personal growth and adaptability. As a result, you might end up trying new things or reconsidering long-held beliefs.
7. You get emotional support across life stages.
Source: Unsplash Friends of different ages can offer unique forms of emotional support. Older friends might offer reassurance based on their life experiences, while younger friends can offer fresh perspectives on your problems. The diversity of support you get can be invaluable when life gets tough.
8. You bridge generational gaps, and that’s pretty cool.
Source: Pexels Given how often generational divides often make headlines, personal friendships across age groups can help bridge these gaps. These relationships encourage understanding and cooperation between generations on a broader scale.
9. It keeps you young at heart.
Source: Unsplash Friendships with younger people can help keep you energetic and open to new experiences. Their enthusiasm and fresh outlook can be infectious, potentially staving off the mental rigidity that sometimes comes with age.
10. You gain wisdom and perspective.
Source: Unsplash Older friends can offer invaluable wisdom and perspective. They’ve likely faced similar challenges to what you’re experiencing and can provide advice and reassurance based on their lived experiences. It’s reassuring to know you’re not alone in what you’re going through.
11. You can challenge age-related social norms.
Source: Unsplash By forming friendships across age groups, you’re challenging societal norms that often segregate people by age. This can lead to a more inclusive and connected community overall.
12. Your social activities become more diversified.
Source: Unsplash Friends of different ages often enjoy different types of activities. The great thing is that diversity can lead to a more varied and interesting social life, exposing you to new hobbies, music, art, and cultural experiences.
13. You combat loneliness and isolation.
Source: Unsplash For both younger and older people, cross-generational friendships can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. These relationships provide social connections that might be lacking within your own age group.
14. It prepares you for different life stages.
Source: Unsplash Friendships with people in different life stages can help prepare you for what’s to come. Whether it’s insights into parenting from friends with children, or understanding the realities of retirement from older friends, these relationships offer valuable previews of life’s various phases. And hey, isn’t connection what life is all about?
