Ideally, we’d all like to say we have a strong network of family and friends. Both play key roles in our quality of life. But for older adults, strong friendships may trump family bonds, research suggests.
Surprised? Social psychologist William Chopik of Michigan State University admits that the findings caught him off guard. “I thought relationships with spouse and family would be more influential,” he says.
To learn more, check out this article on friendship: Having a Circle of Friends May Help Preserve Cognitive Functions.
While strong relationships with both family and friends are associated with greater overall health and happiness, the value placed on close friendships is a better predictor of health and happiness later in life. Friends are so important that strained friendships are connected with more chronic illnesses in older adults.
The findings were a result of two studies. The first surveyed 270,000 people ranging from 15 to 99 years old who rated their health and happiness and the value they placed on their different connections. The second study surveyed 7,500 adults 50 and older about the emotional support and strain they received from relationships with family and friends.
Chopik and other experts believe it comes down to being able to choose your friends. Plus, older adults tend to have more free time to spend with good company. “Family is still good for you,” he says, “but family activities can sometimes be, for lack of a better word, a little boring. Friends often engage in fun leisure activities with us. We elect to be part of those relationships, do fun things with them.”
Learn more about why Sometimes Friends Are Better for Us Than Family.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide any expert, professional or specialty advice or recommendations. Readers are urged to consult with their medical providers for all questions.