People who report a sense of purpose have lower rates of depression, better sleep, and in older adults, slower cognitive decline. Regular volunteering is one of the most reliable ways people find that sense. Evidence: decent
Most of the evidence is observational, so it's a strong link rather than proof. The mechanism is plain enough: being needed is a different feeling from being busy.
Same theme: Keeping them
Keeping them
A standing slot with friends
Same people, same time, every week or two. Football, a walk, a pub, a game. Put it in the calendar as a repeat.
2 hours a weekEvidence: decent
Keeping them
Add a friend at the big changes
New job, a move, a baby, retirement. In the first three months, pick one person from the new setting and suggest something specific. Then again a fortnight later.
10 minEvidence: worth trying
Keeping them
Games night, monthly
Cards, board games, chess, poker. Same people, fixed date, rotate the game.
3 hours a monthEvidence: worth trying