How friendships improve your health as you age

Our friendships do more than just make us feel good; they can have profound impacts on our physical and mental health.

A recent survey from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging highlights the significant role friends play in the lives of older adults.

The analysis also sheds light on challenges faced by those with physical or mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of fostering social connections.

Importance of friendships

According to the poll, 90% of adults aged 50 and older have at least one close friend, and 75% feel they have enough close friends. Notably, 70% of those with close friends said they could count on them for support in discussing health concerns.

“With growing understanding of the importance of social connection for older adults, it’s important to explore the relationship between friendship and health, and identify those who might benefit most from efforts to support more interaction,” noted Dr. Sarah Patterson from the U-M Institute for Social Research.

Health challenges and social isolation

The poll revealed that adults in poor physical or mental health face significant barriers in maintaining friendships.

Among participants who rated their mental health as fair or poor, 20% reported having no close friends, compared to 18% of those in fair or poor physical health. Additionally, 47% of those with fair or poor mental health said they lacked enough close friends.

Older adults in poorer health were more likely to find it harder to make new friends. This challenge emphasizes the importance of targeted efforts to help this group stay socially connected.

Emotional support and healthier lifestyles

Friends often play a critical role in encouraging healthier lifestyles and providing emotional support. Key findings from the poll include:

• Emotional support: 79% of those with at least one close friend said they could turn to them for emotional support.
• Healthy lifestyle encouragement: 50% reported a friend had encouraged healthier choices like better eating or exercise in the past year.
• Health advocacy: 35% said a close friend had urged them to get a symptom checked by a healthcare professional.
• Care during illness: 32% had a friend who helped them when they were sick or injured.

“When health care providers see older adults, we should also ask about their social support network, including close friends, especially for those with more serious health conditions,” noted Poll director Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren.

He added that 15% of respondents with close friends had a friend accompany them to a healthcare appointment.

Gender, age, and generational connections

The poll revealed gender and age differences in social connections. Men were more likely than women to report having no close friends. Adults aged 50 to 64 also reported fewer close friends compared to those aged 65 and older.

Despite these differences, 46% of older adults with close friends said they have friendships spanning generations, with friends at least 15 years younger or older.

Older adults who experienced loneliness or isolation were more likely to lack close friends. Those feeling isolated or lacking companionship at least occasionally were significantly more likely to report having no close friends compared to those who hardly ever felt isolated.

Making friends for better health

The poll found that many older adults struggle to maintain or build friendships as they age:

• 42% said making new friends is harder now than in the past, with higher percentages among those in fair or poor mental (65%) or physical health (55%).
• 34% said maintaining friendships has become more challenging, with rates even higher among those in fair or poor mental (61%) or physical health (47%).
• 28% expressed a desire for more contact with their close friends, particularly those in poorer health.

The role of friendships in promoting health

The poll’s findings are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago in August 2024.

The study included 3,486 U.S. adults aged 50 and older, with 1,174 respondents from Michigan. The results provide valuable insights into the critical role friendships play in promoting health and well-being among older adults.

“This poll underscores the vital role friendships play in the health and well-being of older adults. Strong social connections can encourage healthier choices, provide emotional support, and help older adults navigate health challenges, particularly for those at greater risk of isolation,” noted Indira Venkat, Senior Vice President of Research at AARP.

The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging highlights the profound impact of friendships on the lives of older adults. For those with physical or mental health challenges, promoting and maintaining connections can significantly improve quality of life.

These findings emphasize the importance of supporting older adults in building and maintaining social networks, which are vital for emotional and physical health.

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