How Friendship Can Help Reduce Loneliness
Loneliness can affect anyone, but for many older adults, staying socially connected can become more difficult as life changes. Retirement, the loss of loved ones, changes in mobility, relocation, or simply having fewer opportunities to meet people can make it harder to maintain meaningful relationships.
The good news is that connection can be built—and sometimes it starts with something as simple as joining a conversation, attending a community gathering, or meeting someone new.
The Importance of Social Connection
A recent systematic review published in BMC Public Health examined 79 studies on interventions designed to address loneliness and social isolation among adults aged 60 and older. The researchers looked at different approaches, including community-based activities, technology-based programs, and programs that combined both.
One of the encouraging findings was that community-based approaches, including group meetings and social participation programs, showed particularly positive results compared with technology-only approaches. The researchers also found promising results when in-person and technology-based approaches were combined.
This doesn’t mean there is one solution that works for everyone. The researchers emphasized that programs should be suited to the needs of the people they serve and regularly evaluated.
Friendship Can Start With a Simple Hello
Building meaningful friendships doesn’t always require a major change. Sometimes, it begins
with a simple invitation:
| “Would you like to join us?” |
A friendly conversation over coffee, a community activity, a shared meal, or a small group
gathering can create an opportunity for people to feel welcomed and included.
For someone who has been feeling isolated, knowing that there is a place where they are
welcome can make taking that first step easier.
Creating Opportunities to Belong
At Friendship Support Network (FSN), we believe that communities become stronger when people have opportunities to connect with one another, and that’s why we create welcoming spaces where friendships can grow naturally.
Our Community Friendship Meetups are designed to create welcoming spaces where people can meet, talk, share experiences, and develop meaningful connections.
These gatherings are not about forcing friendships. They are about creating opportunities for them to happen naturally.
Arriving knowing no one is perfectly okay.
A perfect conversation isn’t required.
All that matters is being willing to take the first step.
Connection Is a Community Effort
Reducing loneliness isn’t something one person or one organization can accomplish alone. Families, neighbors, volunteers, community organizations, businesses, and individuals can all play a role.
You can help by:
- Inviting someone to join a community activity
- Checking in on a neighbor or friend
- Volunteering your time
- Supporting local programs that create opportunities for connection
- Introducing people who may share common interests
- Simply making someone feel welcome
Sometimes, a small act of inclusion can open the door to a new friendship.
You Are Welcome at FSN
If you or someone you know is looking for friendship, conversation, or a greater sense of community, consider joining a Friendship Support Network Community Friendship Meetup.
Come as you are. Meet new people. Share a smile. Start a conversation.
Because friendship doesn’t always begin with knowing someone.
Sometimes, it begins with simply showing up.
A Message From Friendship Support Network
No one should feel that they have to navigate life completely alone.
Let’s create communities where people feel seen, welcomed, and valued—and where there are more opportunities to connect, participate, and belong.
Join us. Bring a friend. Or help someone take their first step toward connection.
Together, we can build a more connected and caring community.
Research Behind This Article
Bergsträsser, J., Schmahl, T., Steinhäuser, J., & Goetz, K. (2026). Interventions against loneliness and social isolation in older adults – a systematic review. BMC Public Health, 26, 1562. Published May 18, 2026.
Important note: The research reviewed interventions specifically among adults aged 60 and older. Its findings support the value of community-based social participation, but they should not be interpreted as proof that every meetup or friendship program will reduce loneliness for every person.