SOCIAL CIRCLE
The age where you’re likely to have the most friends – and how many friends the typical adult has
Plus, tips for making friends
THE typical adult has eight friends - but only count four to be in their close circle.
A study of 2,000 people found connections are likely to peak in our early twenties – with 21 being the most common time to form new bonds, while 31 is the age where we tend to drift apart.
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Reasons for lost friendships include moving away (49 per cent) and major life changes such as marriage, a new job or starting a family (42 per cent).
Despite this, one in three (33 per cent) are still in touch with their childhood friends and 32 per cent remain closely tied with people from the community they grew up in.
The research, commissioned by care home provider , found 46 per cent said feeling connected to their community gives them a sense of belonging.
And 34 per cent agreed it makes them feel safer and more secure.
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Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director at the Centre for Loneliness Studies and the Campaign to End Loneliness at Sheffield Hallam University, partnered with Sanctuary Care to highlight how community belonging supports emotional and physical wellbeing.
Andrea said: “Meaningful social connections are fundamental to us as human beings.
“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.
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“The research reinforces a growing body of evidence that strong connections with our local community, and the places and spaces where we live and interact, can bring a sense of belonging, which can help sustain us through the challenges and joys of ageing.”
The study also explored generational differences, with over 65s most likely to stay in touch with those in their local area (49 per cent).
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And 48 per cent of Boomers agreed feeling connected to others within their community makes them feel more "at home", compared to 38 per cent of Gen-Zs.
Adults aged 65 and over feel they have support from others in their street or town more than any other age group (28 per cent) and 46 per cent of rely on their neighbours for friendship.
In contrast, just 27 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds have friends in their local community with many turning to connections in the digital world (31 per cent).
While 62 per cent of all adults polled via value the interactions they have with their community, barriers preventing regular engagement include a lack of time (35 per cent) and social anxiety (28 per cent).
As a result, 30 per cent claim casual events would help them feel more engaged.
Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, chief operating officer at Sanctuary Care, which has this week unveiled a unique mosaic mural created by its residents in Worcester city centre, said: “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.
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“Supporting our residents to live enriched lives is at the very core of what we do, seeing them come together to create this striking mural has been truly inspiring.
“Many residents contributed an individual artwork, forming a rich tapestry of stories which we hope will serve as lasting reminder of the strength, support and belonging that community connections bring.”
Tips for making friends
IT can be tricky to talk to people and make new friends, but being social is very important - especially when it comes to our health.
The NHS shares useful tips for making connections:
- Join a group that interests you. Whether it's sports, a hobby club, or a youth group, you’re more likely to talk to people and make friends when you’re doing something fun that you enjoy.
- Learn about different feelings. Try to understand how you feel when you're happy, sad, excited, or angry. Also, notice how your friends feel. When you know how people feel, it helps you be kind to them and deal with your own feelings when things are tough.
- Talk about friendship. If you can have conversations, talk with someone you trust about what being a good friend means to you and what you like in a friend.
- Have a play date. Ask your parent or carer if you can invite a friend over or meet at a park, somewhere you feel comfortable. You might need a little help setting up games like building with Lego, arts and crafts, or playing board games. Some people find it easier to play with a plan instead of just playing freely.
- Start with small amounts of time. If you get overwhelmed in big groups, it might help to spend shorter times with friends at first. For example, at the park or at a birthday party, and then slowly try longer times once you feel more comfortable.
- Take breaks when you need them. Just like you might need a break from schoolwork, you might need a break from socializing, too. If you feel tired or stressed during a party or playdate, it’s okay to take a break and relax for a bit.
- Get ready the night before. If you know you’re going somewhere new or meeting new people, it might help to talk about it beforehand. Ask about who will be there and what activities will happen. This can make things feel a bit less scary or unknown.
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