Making Friends Later in Life and Its Impact on Health and Wellbeing

The Importance of Friendships for the Older Generation

As International Friendship Day approaches, it serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of friendships across all stages of life. While making and maintaining friendships can be challenging at any age, it becomes even more crucial for the older generation. As individuals age, they often face unique obstacles that can lead to isolation, making strong social connections essential for both mental and physical well-being.

The Positive Impact of Friendships on Mental and Physical Health

Jenny Lippiatt, strategic programme manager in the health team at Age UK, emphasizes that social connections are vital for everyone, regardless of age. “There’s a lot of evidence to suggest that having social connections is really good for your mental and physical health,” she explains.

Kirsten Antoncich, a UKCP psychotherapist and senior lecturer at Birmingham City University, highlights the profound effects of friendship on the older population. “Friendships are incredibly protective against isolation and low mood,” she says. “Being connected in a friendship and being listened to brings a wave of positive chemicals to the brain.”

Antoncich also notes that friendships provide a sense of purpose, which is essential for preventing low mood and depression in later life. “We also know that it improves cognitive health, so the more friendships somebody has, the better their cognitive performance and the slower their cognitive decline,” she adds.

Additionally, friendships help reduce stress and enhance moods. “They are also linked to increased physical activity and better memory,” Antoncich explains. Lippiatt further points out that for older people, getting out of the house and moving around can improve balance and mobility. Even if physical movement is limited, maintaining online or in-home connections can have significant mental health benefits.

The Consequences of a Lack of Friendships

The absence of friendships can lead to loneliness, which poses serious risks to both mental and physical health. Lippiatt states, “Lonely older people are 25% more likely to develop dementia.” She also notes that loneliness can contribute to psychological distress, loss of wellbeing, confidence, and may lead to depression, anxiety, and increased stress.

Lippiatt adds that physical health can also suffer when there are no social connections. “If we don’t have the social connections or reasons to leave the house, it can impact our motivation to take care of ourselves and potentially lead to unhealthy behaviors.”

Antoncich agrees, noting that social isolation can lead to a loss of purpose, which is closely linked to low mood. “This is incredibly prevalent in the older population already,” she says.

Building and Maintaining Friendships in Later Life

Lippiatt suggests that there are several key moments in life that can lead to the loss of friendships. For example, retirement often removes the workplace as a space for social interaction, and bereavement is common among older adults. “It is important to maintain existing friendships, whether that’s online or in person,” she says.

Finding new hobbies is another effective way to meet people. “Perhaps you want to go with a friend to a physical activity class such as arts and crafts, music, or simply going for a walk. All of these hobbies can generate friendships and are a good way to maintain them too,” Lippiatt explains.

She also recommends exploring community spaces like Age UK, where there are various social activities centered around different hobbies or just casual chats over coffee. “There are also chat and tea groups within the community, so it’s really a good idea to look in your local community at what is going on,” she says.

Religious communities can also be a valuable source of connection. “If you’re religious, there is often a really good way to meet people through the church,” Lippiatt notes. “The people that run them are very kind, open, and welcoming. If you are keen to do something, you might want to take a friend along or a family member to make you feel more confident or secure.”

Antoncich encourages older adults to reconnect with their neighbors. “Connect back with your neighbours as we have really lost a bit of a sense of that due to the pandemic. You are absolutely not alone and you’re likely to meet somebody who’s had a similar experience to you that’s also looking for a friendship.”

Finally, Antoncich urges people to normalize loneliness. “It’s one of the most common conditions in the younger generation too. We’re not so set up as a society anymore for friendships, and I want people who are maybe feeling lonely to not feel shame at that and to not feel frightened to reach out.”