You’ve Got To Have Friends — and Why Friendship Might Be the Best Anti-Aging Secret Yet
By Linda Ferguson
There’s a reason Bette Midler’s “You’ve Got To Have Friends” still hits home after all these years.
That upbeat, heartfelt anthem wasn’t just about companionship — it was about survival.
As we age, we realize friendship isn’t optional. It’s essential.
It’s laughter on a hard day. A ride to the doctor. Someone who remembers the version of you before gray hair, grandkids, and grocery store knee braces.
💕 Friendship Is the Fountain of Youth
Science now backs up what we’ve always known intuitively — connection keeps us young.
According to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running happiness studies in the world, good relationships are the single strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness.
That means friendship can literally add years to your life.
It lowers stress, improves immunity, and boosts brain health.
So maybe laughter really is medicine — especially when it’s shared with someone who knows your story.
🪞 When Friendships Change
But let’s be honest — as we move through midlife and beyond, friendships evolve.
Some fade away. Some end unexpectedly. Others deepen into bonds you never expected.
Maybe you’ve lost a friend to distance, illness, or even a difference of opinion. Maybe you’ve found yourself lonely in a stage of life where you thought you’d be surrounded.
Here’s the truth: friendship after 50 looks different, but it’s no less magical.
It’s about quality, not quantity. It’s about being real — showing up in sweats, not Spanx — and being loved anyway.
🌱 How to Refill Your Friendship Cup
If you’ve been feeling a little disconnected, here’s your gentle nudge:
Friendship isn’t something that just happens anymore — it’s something we cultivate.
Try this:
- Reach out to one person this week. Tell them what they mean to you.
- Join a group or club that interests you — whether it’s hiking, reading, or pickleball.
- Say yes to invitations. Even the ones that feel inconvenient.
Because every connection starts with one brave “yes.”
🌸 The Platinum Prime Friendship Truth
As we often say on Platinum Prime Life: real wealth isn’t about money — it’s about meaning.
And friendships are one of the richest investments you’ll ever make.
So, as Bette sang it:
“You’ve got to have friends.”
They’re the laughter, the lifeline, and maybe — just maybe — the best anti-aging secret of all.
Takeaway:
Call a friend today. Tell them they matter. Then send them this episode. ❤️