By Caroline Andrews
Wellness is often described in terms of diet, exercise, sleep and stress management. But over the years, through my work and through my own life, I have come to understand that wellness is just as much about connection as it is about physical health. For those of us 55 and over, friendship, companionship and even unexpected love can bring a sense of vibrancy and fulfillment that keeps us engaged with the world around us.
When we think about aging well, we often picture independence and staying active. But what I see so often, both personally and professionally, is that the people who feel their best are the ones who stay connected. Sharing life with someone, whether it is a partner, a neighbour or a new friend met over coffee, brings a sense of comfort and purpose that is hard to measure, but easy to feel.
I have seen this first-hand in my own life. When Dan and I met in our 50s and 60s, it was completely unexpected. Neither of us was looking for a relationship, nor could we have imagined how deeply it would enrich our lives. What grew between us was not only love but also a true friendship built on mutual respect, laughter and shared experiences. Having someone who understands you, who listens and encourages you, adds a sense of joy and balance that no wellness routine can replicate.
Through my work, I meet many people who are beginning new chapters later in life, and their stories often echo the same theme. Connections can blossom in surprising places. Some people find love after loss. Others rekindle old friendships. Many discover companionship through clubs, travel, volunteering or simply by saying yes to a new activity. These relationships look different for everyone, but they all bring a sense of belonging that is deeply uplifting.
Two of my clients, Joan and Susan, are wonderful examples of this. They both recently downsized and moved into The Redwoods Retirement Home, each for different reasons.
There, they found something they did not fully expect: a renewed sense of connection.
Joan told me she is doing so well and feels she has truly bloomed since moving. She describes the people as wonderful and says she loves being part of such a warm and active community. Joan now serves on the residents board, helps with bingo and participates in yoga, weight training, Zumba and dancing. She has made many new friends and often laughs that she would give the entire experience five stars.
Susan’s transition was more emotional. After losing her husband, she initially worried that moving might make her feel even more alone. Instead, she found the opposite. She now enjoys wine and music evenings, the book club, the coffee group and chair yoga. She loves outings to plays, lunches and shopping trips and often joins neighbours for manicures and card games. Her sisters have even visited and stayed in the guest suite. She told me she no longer feels alone and that making this move was the best thing she ever did.
Listening to their stories, I am reminded again and again that companionship doesn’t just fill our days. It lifts us. It encourages us to try new things, step outside our comfort zones and find joy in unexpected moments. Joan and Susan didn’t just move homes. They found communities that embraced them, and that sense of belonging has become part of their overall wellness.
And it truly is never too late to find that. I have met people who formed lasting friendships while walking their dogs, joining a gym class or taking up a hobby they had always meant to try. Others found connection through volunteering, gardening groups, art classes or book clubs. For many, moving into a retirement residence or active living community marks the beginning of an entirely new social circle. A simple hello in the hallway can become a friendship that feels like it was meant to happen.
One of the most wonderful things about forming relationships later in life is the authenticity. We are not trying to impress anyone. We are simply looking for warmth, understanding and companionship. These relationships tend to be genuine and deeply appreciated. They remind us that we are never too old to laugh, to share stories or to enjoy someone’s company.
In my work with clients navigating new chapters, I see how much these connections mean to them. A new home might offer comfort and convenience, but it is the people they meet there who make it feel truly special. A neighbour who stops by with a smile, someone who invites you to join a morning walk or a friend who saves you a seat at dinner — these small gestures often make the biggest difference.
As we age, life inevitably brings change. But each transition also brings the possibility of something new. Opening ourselves to friendships, activities and experiences is one of the most uplifting things we can do for our overall wellness. It takes courage to step into a new chapter, but that same courage allows us to live more fully.
Wellness, at its heart, is not just about taking care of our bodies. It is about nourishing our spirits. Companionship, friendship and love after 55 remind us that joy is not something we leave behind with youth. It is something we can rediscover again and again.
As for me, I am grateful every day for the happiness and balance that Dan brings to my life. Our relationship has shown me that connection is a cornerstone of wellness. When we nurture the relationships that help us feel alive, we are not only adding years to our lives, we are adding life to our years.
