Having someone to count on is very important, and chances are that you have four friends you can rely on. According to a survey of older people aged 55 shedding light on social inactivity and loneliness among seniors, most have only four dependable friends.
Seniors have at least four friends to count on
The survey shows that one-fifth of this age group (19%) feel lonely, with three-quarters (77%) admitting that their social circle became small as they got older. Interestingly almost half of the study participants (48%) say they stopped being friends with almost three people in the past two years.
The Life Time commissioned a survey by OnePoll found that 83% of respondents feel that one can create relationships anytime. In addition, with age, individuals are more inclined to spend more time with family and friends (52%), travel (40%), and improve overall health (39%).
Surprisingly 70% of the respondents say they want to make new friends, and when looking to befriend someone, they look for someone with the same likes (50%), they can have a conversation with (49%), and wish to be active together (40%).
Approximately 62% of the respondents wish to be active now more than ever, while 37% confirm that they get lonely. Close to 60% of Americans aged 55 years indicate that they might try something new if they have someone doing it with the activities, including swimming (32%), hiking (48%), and conditioning classes (31%).
Engaging in activities fulfilling for old people
Life Time VP Renee Main said that engaging in things like yoga, dance classes, or pickleball may be intimidating it is nonetheless a good way of making friends while improving well-being and health.
Interestingly, 63% of respondents admit that they have postponed some aspects of taking care of their health, such as exercising regularly (54%), eating well (37%), and taking adequate water (37%). Among most respondents (79%) goal is to live to the fullest daily. Two-thirds of the respondents say they would live healthier lives playing with their grandkids instead of just watching them.
