Happy International Day of Friendship! This special day was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2011 to honor the power of companionship across cultures, generations, and communities.
For seniors and the people who care for them, this day carries an important meaning.
Older adults deserve friendships that are fun, reciprocal, and full of life. A shared meal, a walk around the block, and a phone call that runs longer than expected are all meaningful acts of kindness that go a long way. For many seniors, these moments can be the highlight of their week.
International Day of Friendship is a good reminder to reach out, make plans, and invest in the people who matter to you. And for those who may need a little extra support staying connected, it is worth paying attention to what the research actually tells us.
Friendship Is Essential for Older Adults
According to the CDC, loneliness and social isolation significantly increase the risk of premature death and are associated with approximately a 50% greater risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and higher rates of depression and anxiety.
And yet, according to the 2023 University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, one in three adults ages 50 to 80 reported feeling isolated from others at least some of the time and nearly 37% reported feeling a lack of companionship.
Research led by William Chopik, a psychology professor at Michigan State University, found that friendships are a stronger predictor of health and happiness in older adults than relationships with family members. His reasoning is straightforward: family relationships in later life often come with a sense of obligation, while friendships are chosen and valued for the joy they bring.
“Friendships become even more important as we age,” Chopik says. “Keeping a few really good friends around can make a world of difference for our health and well-being.”
Ways to Celebrate Today
If you are spending time with an older loved one or client today, here are a few fun ways to mark the day together.
Host a friendship tea party with delicious treats and a few good stories, create a scrapbook of photos and shared memories, take a walk outside together, have a picnic or a meal at a favorite restaurant. You can even craft a handwritten letter to an old friend or have a video call with someone who lives far away.
These small gestures don’t have to be perfect; you just have to show up and enjoy each other’s company!
The Friendship Our Caregivers Offer
At Care Advantage, Inc., our Caregivers do more than help with daily tasks. They show up as companions, as familiar faces, as people who listen and care.
Companion care through Care Advantage, Inc. can include having shared meals together, enjoying conversations and storytelling, playing with games and puzzles, offering support with hobbies, taking short walks and getting fresh air, and even attending social events or appointments together. For many of the seniors we serve, a Caregiver is not just a source of support; they are a genuine friend.
Friendship has no age limit, and everyone deserves someone by their side.
If you are looking for that kind of companionship for someone you love, we would love to help.
Sources: United Nations; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, 2023; Michigan State University (William Chopik, PhD).
