Sangha of Auspicious Companions

An 85-Year-Old’s Guide to Friendship

Meet Gerry, the 85-year-old friendship connoisseur whose advice for a friend 36 years his younger is to “never lose a friend”. In an age where loneliness rivals smoking as a health risk, Gerry tirelessly cultivates the joy of sharing presence with someone, reminding us to treat our friendships as something we actively create, rather than passively inhabit. Instead of waiting for friendships to bloom naturally, Gerry’s lovingly disarming outreach emphasizes that “people are always interested in people who are interested in them.” As many grapple with our modern-day epidemic of loneliness, Gerry’s ebullient interest in others serves as a warm nudge to nurture friendships in real life rather than disappearing behind a screen. After all, research has found that a core element of health and happiness in life comes from solid, healthy relationships.

Be The Change

Reach out to a friend or acquaintance you haven’t spoken to in a while. Invite them to catch up over a cup of tea, a walk, or a simple visit.