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.
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%).
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.