Over 2000 years ago, Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero noted “Friendship improves happiness and abates misery, by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.” At Home Care Assistance, we want to shine a light on the powerful role social connection plays in the health and happiness of everyone – especially older adults. We believe friendships aren’t just nice to have, they’re actually essential to our well-being.
Friendship for healthy aging
When it comes to overall health, engagement is often the forgotten factor. Social isolation (having few or no connections) and loneliness (having relationships that don’t fulfill needs) have both been identified as global public health concerns. Each is a major risk factor for health problems in older adults; in fact, over 1 in 10 seniors experience loneliness. Research has shown that persistent social isolation and loneliness are closely associated with depression. They also reduce life expectancy. Loneliness causes 870,000 deaths annually according to the World Health Organization, and social isolation has been shown to increase the risk of dementia by 50%, heart disease by 29%, and stroke by 32%.
On the flip side, strong social connections have been shown to positively impact many categories of health including weight management, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and depression. Social support boosts immune function and mental health. Staying connected with family, friends, and neighbors is one of the best ways to keep cognitive health through aging; even video calls can lower the risk of cognitive decline! It’s important to note that the quality of connection matters: close, positive relationships help while negative associations can diminish health. And research suggests that a variety of satisfying contacts with friends and relatives can have a better positive effect.
3 ways to establish friendships
We know that making new friends or staying connected isn’t always easy, particularly when mobility, transportation, or health issues can get in the way. Still, connection is possible and can be incredibly rewarding. Here are three realistic ways older adults can build and nurture friendships:
1. Join a local group or club. Whether it’s a walking club, a choir, or a book group, shared interests are a natural way to spark friendships. Many community centers, libraries, and senior organizations offer free or low-cost programs tailored to older adults.
How to start: Ask your local library, faith center, or senior center for a list of upcoming programs—or visit their websites. If transportation is a concern, a home caregiver can help coordinate rides or aid with virtual participation.
2. Reconnect with old friends. Sometimes the best friendships are already in our lives; we just need to reach out. Reconnecting with a childhood friend, a former neighbor, or a past co-worker can rekindle meaningful ties.
How to start: Flip through old photo albums or address books and write down three names that bring back good memories. A simple phone call, letter, or even a “thinking of you” message can be the first step.
3. Volunteer for a cause. Volunteering not only creates purpose but also brings people together. Whether helping at a food bank or mentoring younger generations, these shared experiences often lead to lasting friendships.
How to start: Look for local volunteer listings online or ask your caregiver to help find opportunities that match your interests and abilities. Many organizations now offer roles that are flexible or remote.
Caregivers and social connection
At Home Care Assistance, we understand that friendship and connection are vital to our clients’ quality of life. That’s why our caregivers do more than help with daily needs: they’re companions, conversation partners, and trusted allies in staying socially engaged. Caregivers help seniors stay connected by:
- Providing companionship and emotional support
- Assisting with phone calls, video chats, or letter writing
- Encouraging participation in social activities
- Helping with transportation to social events or meetups
With the right support, building new connections or strengthening old ones can bring new joy and health.
Connection is ageless, and so is the need to belong. Staying socially engaged isn’t just good for the soul, it’s good for our health. At Home Care Assistance, we’re proud to help make that possible, every day.
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Sources: WHO; Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics; eClinical Medicine; American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine; Harvard; Better Health; Global Council on Brain Health/AARP; NIA