Friendships, especially among women, evolve as we age, often becoming more difficult to form and sustain. Most people over 50 have at least one close friend. However, many friendships are lost due to life changes. Shifting priorities, shrinking social circles, and health challenges also contribute to the loss.
In August 2024, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging surveyed adults aged 50 and older to explore the role of friendships in later life and their impact on mental and physical health. When asked about the frequency of contact with close friends:
• 23% reported daily or almost daily interaction.
• 40% connected at least once a week.
• 36% engaged 1–2 times a month or less.
Notably, older adults with more frequent social interactions were less likely to experience feelings of isolation or a lack of companionship. Encouragingly, 72% of respondents felt they had the right amount of contact with their close friends.
The Mental Health Benefits of Friendship
Friendships are more than social connections—they are vital to our well-being. Studies show that individuals with close friendships experience lower rates of depression and anxiety, leading to greater overall life satisfaction.
Women, in particular, thrive in emotionally intimate relationships. A close friend provides a safe space for sharing feelings without fear of judgment. This fosters a sense of belonging that combats loneliness and isolation.
Beyond emotional well-being, friendships offer cognitive and physical health benefits. Research suggests that maintaining strong social connections can reduce the risk of dementia, improve immune function, and even extend lifespan.
Types of Friendships
Greek philosopher Aristotle identified three main types of friendships, each serving a distinct purpose:
1. Friendships of Utility – Based on mutual benefit, often found in professional or transactional relationships.
2. Friendships of Pleasure – Rooted in shared interests or activities, common among younger individuals.
3. Friendships of Virtue – The deepest and rarest type. They are built on mutual respect and genuine care for each other’s well-being.
Modern psychology expands on these categories, recognizing additional types such as acquaintances, casual friends, close friends, and lifelong confidants.
Attachment Styles and Friendship
Our attachment styles—formed in childhood and shaped by early relationships—profoundly impact the way we engage in friendships. Psychologists generally recognize four attachment styles:
• Secure Attachment – Individuals with this style are comfortable with emotional closeness, trust their friends, and nurture balanced relationships.
• Anxious Attachment – These individuals crave closeness but may fear abandonment, often needing reassurance in friendships.
• Avoidant Attachment – Those with avoidant tendencies may struggle with intimacy and prefer independence, keeping friendships at a distance.
• Fearful-Avoidant (Disorganized) Attachment – This style combines both anxious and avoidant traits, leading to unpredictable relationships.
Understanding our attachment style can help us navigate friendships more effectively, recognize patterns, and foster deeper, healthier connections.
The Unique Power of Female Friendships
Female friendships often serve as an emotional anchor, offering validation, unconditional support, and a buffer against life’s stressors. Women who nurture close friendships consistently report higher self-esteem, increased confidence, and an overall greater sense of well-being.
When women engage in meaningful conversations with close friends, their brains release oxytocin. It is often called the “bonding hormone.” This hormone reduces stress and enhances emotional resilience.
Why Friendship Matters
Beyond the emotional support, strong friendships contribute to significant health benefits, including:
• Reduced risk of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease
• Enhanced immune system function
• Improved sleep quality
• Increased longevity
The Bottom Line
Friendships are not just a pleasant part of life—they are vitally important for mental and physical health. As we experience life’s ups and downs, we should nurture genuine, supportive friendships. This is one of the most powerful investments in our overall well-being.
Written by Candace Schoner, Host and Producer of Voices for Mental Health