Our lifestyles are changing. There are now many people in their 40s or older who change communities, get divorced, or simply decide to revamp their social life. If you're such a person, there are many others just like you.

Learn how to effectively meet and connect with them, and you'll know how to make friends over 40. This doesn't mean that if you're over 40, all your friends need to be over 40 as well, but you will probably find it easier to bond with this age group.

Here are some of the top ideas I recommend as a communication coach for making friends over 40.

1. Don't make your age a burden. If you think that it's nearly impossible to meet new people and build relationships over 40, it's only in your head. However, this kind of an attitude will turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy and sabotage you from the start. So the first step is simply realizing that it can be done.

2. Use sports, hobbies and events. There are plenty of people out there, over and under 40, that practice various sports, have various hobbies or go to different events. These kinds of activities are often social in nature, and they provide you with an opportunity to meet new people and to connect with them.

3. Have a strategy. You don't want to just attend any event or take on any hobby you can find. It will be a waste of time. You want to pick those kinds of social activities where you have the biggest chances of meeting people in the age gap you're interested in. Also, do try to choose the kind of activities you may actually enjoy, but don't be too selective.

4. Be sociable. Attending various types of social events will not get you friends on its own. It is how you use these activities that matters the most. It's important for you to be sociable and friendly: initiate conversations with other people, make small talk, be a good listener and have fun with it.

You'll notice that if you behave this way, people will simply love interacting with you. And if you put these simple ideas into practice, you'll enrich your social life.