# After 50, psychologists recommend this habit to prevent important friendships from fading

> After 50, a simple habit can prevent friendships from fading as research shows.
- Title: After 50, psychologists recommend this habit to prevent…
- Summary: After 50, a simple habit can prevent friendships from fading as research shows. After 50, maintaining close friendships improves mental health and reduces…
- Keywords: psychologists, friendships, mental health, health research, aging, social support, recommend, habit, prevent, important, fading, Psychologies
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/moi/moi-et-les-autres-moi/Apres-50-ans-les-psychologues-recommandent-ce-reflexe-pour-eviter-que-les-amities-importantes-ne-seteignent-peu-a-peu-ce-que-les-recherches-permettent-de-comprendre-633229
- Author: Nina Parage
- Published: 2026-10-15T15:03:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: psychologists, friendships, mental health, health research, aging, social support
## After 50, friendships change
After 50, people's social circles shrink as careers, children, and moves reduce opportunities to meet friends.
## Friendships predict health
The Harvard Study of Adult Development found that friendship satisfaction at 50 predicts future physical health better than cholesterol levels.
## More friends mean better health
A Michigan State University study of 280,000 people shows having four to six close friends boosts mental health scores by 60 points and reduces psychological difficulties by three times.
## Friends help with health
Half of seniors say friends encourage healthier habits like exercise and better eating, and over a third say friends push them to see a doctor for symptoms.
## The habit to keep friends
Sending texts, calling, or offering coffee without waiting for the other person to take the first step helps friendships last.
## Key takeaway

After 50, maintaining close friendships improves mental health and reduces psychological difficulties by 60 points.