While we often talk about the positive influence of friendship for children, research shows that friendships become even more important as we get older. The many health benefits of strong relationships affirms the significance of friendship for seniors. 

Research out of Michigan State University showed that while both family and friend relationships were linked to better health and happiness at all ages, as people get older friendships became a stronger predictor of health and happiness. This is even more so than relationships with family members. Couple this with research showing that friendships are positively associated with improved cognitive functioning in people over 80 and you’ve got a pretty convincing case for cultivating friendships in later life.

As we age, many older Australians say that they enjoy their own company. While alone time can be useful and enjoyable, for some of the time, the negative impact that loneliness can have on a person’s mental and physical health is significant.

Making friends

For many seniors, life events such as moving areas or changing jobs have meant that they may no longer have a support group and need to make new friends. Making new friends can be daunting, but it is important to keep an open mind and stay positive during the process. Some suggestions for places to meet new friends may include:

• Join a group or start a new hobby in a communal setting. Eg. A neighbourhood walking group or book club.
• Volunteer with a group or charity that interests you.
• Join a class. There are number of free and paid classes available in person and online for adults.

A story of friendship at Seasons Mango Hill

Tam and Dorothy from Seasons Mango Hill are an example of the positive effect of friendship in the senior years. Just as the first residents were moving into Seasons Mango Hill, the two women connected over the lunch table. The rest is history and have been best friends ever since.

“I was sitting at the table and I saw Tam come in and she looked as worried as I was when I moved in the week before, as it was her first day. So, I just beckoned her over and said, ‘there’s a seat here if you want’ and we just clicked. We’ve been friends ever since,” says Dorothy.

“It’s great to have a good friend. I have lots of friends here but not best friends – a friend you can talk with about anything and it goes no further. It’s great to have a friend like that, especially when we’ve both lost our husbands,” says Dorothy.

“You need someone you can trust the way you trusted your partner and that’s how we’ve become.”

Tam and Dorothy’s closeness is evident in how they finish each other’s sentences and discuss what’s important to them.

“We just laugh together and enjoy each other’s company. Our families get on well too,” says Tam.

Tam and Dorothy’s story shows the positive effect of residing in a community of other seniors in forging strong connections and friendships and the difference it can make to quality of life.