Strategy games work reasoning and memory, and doing it across a table adds the thing men's friendships usually lack: a fixed, recurring reason to be in the same room. The friendship is the point. The game is the excuse.
Evidence that games sharpen the brain is mixed. Evidence that regular contact with friends protects mood is much better. Evidence: worth trying
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
Do something for someone
Coach, fix, drive, volunteer, mentor. A regular slot, not a one-off.
1–2 hours a weekEvidence: decent