The Los Angeles Network was fortunate to have Diane Gage Lofgren co-author of “Women I Want to Grow Old With: Grow Old Together with Courage, Health and Attitude” speak on May 6th at the Jonathan Club. Diane with co-author Margaret Bhola describe the book as “…a conversation dedicated to supporting women in being intentional in causing, sustaining, and growing our female friendships throughout our lives!” It is a thought-provoking, fun read and is packed with insights, tips, and stories to motivate and inspire us to value our existing female friendships and take action now to design and secure our friendships of the future.

Diane encouraged the LA Network to engage in fun and fresh activities for meaningful and vibrant friendships. Some of her ideas included sharing a walk with a friend over the phone, book clubs without books, spa time, sharing a virtual glass of wine watching your favorite movie or TV series (hint: the TV series is a weekly event) and, of course, shopping. No agenda required. She also shared with us suggestions for striking up conversations with someone new.

Diane and Margaret continue about their book…”Women need and depend on one another for connection, celebration, perspective, and support. Expanding our circle of deep, intimate friendships safeguards our emotional, physical, and spiritual health. Friendships literally sustain and protect us. Not only do friendships help people fight life threatening diseases like cancer, but having friends may even reduce your risk of catching a cold! Learn more by reading this medical article on the benefits of having friends as a social support system.”

Cora Tellez, CEO and Founder of Amazing Care Network shared her story here about how she met her friend Ivadell when Ivadell was 91 years old. (You can read about her story here.)

Intentional friendships are for women of all ages. They appeal to those who have been through situations that have left them clear that they don’t want to feel alone or lonely – at any point in their lives. One Los Angeles member shared a story of how the Amazing Care Network is helping her to feel connected after the loss of a loved one. Another shared how their friends and network have helped her survive and thrive during the challenges of single-parenting.

Diane Gage Lofgren, of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a writer, speaker, and communications executive – and most important, a wife, mother, sister, and friend. Since 2006, Diane has served as senior vice president and chief communication officer for a major integrated health care system in the U.S. Previously, she’s led marketing and communications and experience design work at several national and regional health care systems. She also owned The Gage Group, a full-service public relations and marketing agency in San Diego, California. Diane has spoken to audiences large and small in the U.S. and abroad on business, relationships, health care, and marketing and communications. She enjoys presenting keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and webinars. The author of nine books and scores of national magazine articles, Diane discusses topics ranging from business and personal relationships to management and marketing. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Good Housekeeping, Ladies Home Journal, Health, Seventeen, McCall’s, Brides, Modern Bride, Reader’s Digest, and others. Just a few of her books include “Get Published: Top Editors Tell You How,” “Self-Marketing Secrets,” “The Confidence Quotient,” “Change Your Child’s Behavior by Changing Yours,” and “Women I Want to Grow Old With.”

Diane holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in mass communications, both from San Diego State University. She is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America, is a PRSA Fellow, and serves as a director at large on the PRSA Board.

Visit Co-Authors Diane Gage Lofgren and Margaret Bhola’s work online.

Amazing Care Network is a membership organization that supports its members and their families throughout the aging process with financial tools, health care and needs-based resources. Read more about our membership options here.

Additional resources:
Aging and 3 Kinds of Friendship
To Increase Longevity, Friends Are More Important Than Family