The Health Benefits of Friends

Suzanne had liked painting since she was a teenager and enjoyed visiting galleries. Art had been a hobby that she pursued when on holiday, but rarely had time for otherwise—she had been a single mom who worked full-time. But a new opportunity arose in retirement—Suzanne now had time to take courses and try new methods of painting. She was a keen student in class and applied herself diligently to her “homework.” She was refining her skills, gaining new insights, and, best of all, making new friends.

Humans are biologically wired to thrive in social relationships. In interpersonal neurobiology, a fairly new area of study, researchers are recognizing that we can best understand humans when we think about them within their social networks. It is increasingly apparent that people who maximize social interactions are happier and healthier.

The significance of maintaining and developing new social connections is even more important for seniors. As we age changes in lifestyle and physical abilities may make it difficult to engage in social activities as we used to, but it is necessary to understand that socializing and friendships are key to good health.

The Effects of Loneliness

Isolation can foster conditions to develop or accelerate both physical and mental illnesses. Research shows that loneliness can lead to depression and cognitive decline as well as physical ailments since seniors are less likely to be physically active without external motivators. There is now a clear link between social isolation and conditions including heart disease, obesity, anxiety, a weakened immune system, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Health Benefits of Friendship

We usually think of peer pressure as a bad thing, but amongst seniors, it can be a positive—people tend to engage in more physical activity when their friends do and are more likely to pursue regularly recommended medical screening and tests when encouraged to do so by their peers.

Studies have shown that older people with strong social connections are much less likely to have a decline in cognitive capacity. Dementia is often a major concern for the elderly and their caregivers. Fostering social connections is a way to guard against this.

Furthermore, our social groups frequently offer ways to go beyond our comfort zone and try new things. Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new pathways—is promoted when we take up a hobby or engage with others through activities like playing cards.

Making New Friends

At all stages in life, it can be challenging to make friends, but it becomes increasingly difficult as we age because we may not be in situations, like school or the workplace, where we are meeting new people.

Also, as baby boomers age, we are now seeing more seniors living alone. It is understandable that people wish to age in their homes and major changes can be disruptive. However, it is important to consider other options that create more opportunities for socializing, such as assisted living.

The support networks for seniors—caregivers, relatives, and healthcare providers—need to recognize the significance of friendship in preserving and even improving health. With this understanding, it becomes clear why it is important to facilitate and support new experiences and relationships. These might be found in day programs for seniors, places of worship, or community centers.

During her career as a healthcare provider at a large hospital, Suzanne interacted with dozens of people every day. While the calm of retirement brought some positives, it also revealed how important the social engagement of her work had been. Suzanne had some ideas for how to fill her time. She began volunteering and participating in more events at her church, but the greatest joy—and intellectual challenge—came when she began taking art courses. She made new friends, learned new things, and thrived as she explored a lifelong interest.