Jane Fonda talks about the power of female friendships and developing new relationships when you’re older

Following news of her cancer remission, acclaimed actress and activist Jane Fonda has taken a moment to reflect on the friendships she’s made as an adult and the importance of actively pursuing the people you want in your life.

In her new interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the 85-year-old Grace and Frankie star recounted how her “favourite ex-husband” Ted Turner told her that people over 60 “don’t make new friends,” but argued that he was “really, really wrong”.

She said that having a solid friend group “is very important to our health” especially if you feel comfortable enough to let your guard down around them. And she’s not wrong, a study published by the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychology, found that feelings of loneliness in seniors increased their risk of dementia by more than 60 per cent.

Fonda pointed out the difference between male and female friends, suggesting that, unlike men, women go the extra mile for one another.

“You guys, you kind of sit side-by-side and watch sports or cars or women,” she said.

“Women sit facing each other, eye-to-eye, and they say, ‘I’m in trouble, I need you, can you help me?’ We’re not afraid of being vulnerable.

“I don’t even know what I would do without my women friends. I mean it’s, ‘I have my friends, therefore I am.'”

“You have to pursue people you want to be friends with.”@80forBrady actor @Janefonda explains how she sought friendships with @sally_field and @LilyTomlin while discussing the importance of being “intentional” during the process. pic.twitter.com/TSzdk4P0T2

— CBS Sunday Morning ???? (@CBSSunday) January 14, 2023

Fonda goes on to explain that when you’re older, creating a meaningful friendship with others can be a bit of a struggle, but recommends that the best way to overcome this is by being “intentional”.

“You have to pursue people that you want to be friends with,” she said.

“And you have to say, ‘I’m intentionally wanting to be your friend.’ And it works. People hear that and then they stick around, and you develop new friendships.”

Since her interview, many people have taken to social media to express that they resonate with Fonda’s view of friendships.

good advice… As you get older you just make choices rather than act out of obligation…its very freeing!

— JoAnn Corley-Schwarzkopf (@joanncorley) January 15, 2023

I totally agree with Jane Fonda-I am going to start using that word “Intentional” . That interview was so funny and I loved what she was saying. As our life changes, friends change and making new friends can mean good health over isolation and depression.

— Beth Thompson (@bat1645catfan) January 19, 2023

I like what Jane Fonda says about friends over 60. I need new ones … I don’t have time to pursue them, now (too busy taking care of my 90-some mother), but I look forward to doing so in the future. Cheers!

— Carrie Kelly (@CarrieHKelly) January 15, 2023

Fonda’s latest interview comes ahead of the release of her upcoming comedy film 80 For Brady which she stars alongside longtime pal and fellow actress Lilly Tomlin.