The average adult reportedly has eight friends, but only considers four of them as part of their close circle, suggests research. The survey involving 2,000 participants revealed that social connections typically hit their peak in our early twenties with the age of 21 identified as the prime time for forming new relationships, and 31 as the point when we start losing touch.
Reasons for fading friendships involve relocating and major life events such as tying the knot, landing a new job or having kids. Despite these changes, a third of people maintain contact with friends from their younger years, and 32% are still tightly knit with individuals from their original neighbourhood.
Commissioned by the care home provider Sanctuary Care, the study underlines how being linked to local communities leads to a feeling of belonging for 46%, while 34% say it bolsters their sense of safety and security.
Professor Andrea Wigfield, director of the Centre for Loneliness Studies and the Campaign to End Loneliness at Sheffield Hallam University, teamed up with Sanctuary Care to shine a light on the importance of community ties for emotional and physical health.
Professor Andrea highlighted: “Meaningful social connections are fundamental to us as human beings.” She further elaborated: “They improve our sense of well-being, contribute to our quality of life and have the potential to have important benefits for our physical health.”
“Relationships can act as a buffer to loneliness, helping us to become more resilient, especially at points of transition in our lives,” she said, before highlighting that the research reinforces that strong connections within our local communities can help sustain us through the challenges and joys of aging.
The study reveals that over 65s are most likely to keep in touch with those in their local area as they have more support from others in their street or town than any other age group. They also depend on their neighbours for companionship according to the study.
On the flip side, merely 27% of 18 to 24 year olds have friends in their local community, with many resorting to digital connections, while the majority of them would like to have more interactions with their community they cited barriers such as lack of time and social anxiety as key reasons for not engaging as often.
Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, chief operating officer at Sanctuary Care, which has recently revealed a unique mosaic mural crafted by its residents in Worcester city centre, commented: “This research highlights the deep impact of social connections on our well-being, especially as we age.”
“A sense of belonging is something we all seek, and community ties can provide that feeling of security and togetherness throughout life,” she added. “Supporting our residents to live enriched lives is at the very core of what we do”
Talking about the mural she said, seeing them come together to create the art work was ‘inspiring’, “Many residents contributed individual artwork, forming a rich tapestry of stories which we hope will serve as a lasting reminder of the strength, support and belonging that community connections bring.”
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