Women Decades Apart in Age Form an Unlikely Friendship. Now They’re Sharing the Secrets That Make It Last (Exclusive)

Neena and Carol’s friendship began with a lost wallet on a subway and unexpectedly went viral two years later. But beyond the TikTok moment, their bond has sparked a deeper conversation about why friendships across age gaps matter.

“She has a young spirit, and I have an old soul, so we meet halfway,” Neena tells PEOPLE of the pair’s friendship.

The two women are decades apart in age, yet their connection feels seamless. They say the key isn’t ignoring the age gap, but approaching it with curiosity instead of assumptions. “We don’t view each other solely as an ‘older person’ and a ‘younger person,’ ” Neena says. “We ask questions.”

That curiosity keeps the relationship dynamic. It also allows both women to feel seen beyond labels. “She brings youth, friendship, loveliness,” Carol tells PEOPLE. “I don’t know many people like Neena.”

For Carol, having a younger friend brings comfort and perspective. It offers reassurance about what lies ahead.

“If you don’t have children or grandchildren, it’s nice to have younger folks in your life so that you understand the future of the world,” Carol says. “I know she’s the future of the world, and that it’s going to be okay.”

Neena says her respect for older generations began early. Growing up, she spent time at nursing homes where her mother worked. Still, Carol’s presence has become uniquely meaningful. “She is definitely the first person of her age that has become this integrated into my life,” Neena says. The bond feels closer to chosen family than friendship alone.

Living in a transient city far from relatives, Neena finds comfort in Carol’s home. “Whenever I go to her place, it provides the love and comfort of a real home,” she says.

Their shared interests help bridge the years between them. Food, music, humor and storytelling are constants. They also attend performances together, cook indulgent meals and trade memories late into the evening, each bringing something the other didn’t know they needed.

Carol believes friendships require care at every stage of life. Age doesn’t change the fundamentals. “Keeping in touch, inviting them to various meals and activities,” she says of the gestures that keep connections alive.

Trusting instincts matters too. Carol says people often know when a friendship is worth nurturing. “When you meet somebody, you’ll know if you want to be friends with them,” she says. “It’s important to honor the friendship.”

“One of the most important pillars of community is intergenerational relationships,” she says. Technology, she says, has made those connections rarer.

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In the end, Carol describes Neena as a blessing in her life. Neena describes Carol as a grounding presence. Over the years, they’ve learned from each other, but mutual respect is what sustains the bond.