As we get older, it’s normal for our relationships to shift. Old friendships from childhood or young adulthood may fizzle out. Marriage, careers and children can get in the way.

While our friend circles may become smaller over time, it’s still possible to make new connections. And doing so may have health benefits, according to a doctor who specializes in treating older adults.

Social connectedness is often linked to longevity and a lower risk of age-related chronic diseases.

But there’s one type of friendship which can promote healthy aging that can get overlooked.

Longevity tip of the day: Seek out age-gap friendships

“I want you to have intergenerational friendships,” Dr. Stephanie Rogers, a geriatrician and professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, tells TODAY.com.

When we think of making new friends, we often imagine peers of the same age.

However, friendships between people with an age difference of 15–20 years or more can offer surprising benefits on both sides, Rogers says.

“I want you to have friends that are older than you, and friends that are younger than you,” says Rogers.

A survey from AARP found that nearly 4 in 10 adults in the United States have a close friend who is at least 15 years older or younger than they are.

Why it matters

In older age, making age gap friendships can be challenging — but that’s a good thing, says Rogers.

One quality she sees among her healthiest geriatric patients is avoiding too much comfort by constantly switching things up.

Pushing yourself socially and cognitively into older age forces the mind to adapt, Rogers explains.

On a cellular level, it may also slow down biological aging. Overcoming differences in communication or culture, for example, can offer stimulation that helps cells regenerate.

“It helps with multiple domains that can suffer in aging, the brain and the physical body,” Rogers notes.

For the younger person, intergenerational friendships promote a healthier outlook. “I want people to be more positive about aging,” Rogers adds.

The booming anti-aging industry can make that hard.

“We have a very ageist society. But the truth is … usually our happiness and wellbeing can actually get better as we get older and continue to rise after 40,” she says.

“Studies show that people who have a positive view of aging actually age better.”

How to get started

If you’re interested in making intergenerational friends, Rogers recommends starting out with a common activity or setting which may draw people of different ages:

Community groups

Hobby-based clubs (gardening, crafting or books)

Volunteering

Work

Exercise classes for all age groups, such as aerobics or Tai Chi

Faith-based gatherings

Solo travel groups

If you’re unable to meet someone new, reach out to someone you already know, such as a neighbor.

Sometimes, all it takes is a conversation. Recently, a young woman went viral on TikTok for sharing how a chance encounter on public transit led to an unexpected friendship with an 81-year-old. Her advice? “Take your AirPods out.”

“I also want you to follow older people on social media,” Rogers adds.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY: