Brits only have four ‘close friends’ – but value community connections

The average adult in the UK has eight friends, but they consider only half of them part of their close-knit circle, according to recent research. A survey of 2,000 people revealed that our capacity for forming friendships typically peaks in our early twenties, with 21 being identified as the prime age to make new connections. However, by the age of 31, friendships often begin to decline.

Contributing factors to this decline include moving to a new area and major life changes, such as getting married, starting a new career, or beginning a family. Despite this, one-third of respondents have maintained friendships from their youth, and 32% still have strong ties with people from their childhood neighbourhoods.

Conducted by care home enterprise Sanctuary Care, the research emphasised that feeling connected to their community gives 46% a sense of belonging and 34% agreed it makes them feel safer and more secure.

Professor Andrea Wigfield, director of the Centre for Loneliness Studies and the Campaign to End Loneliness located at Sheffield Hallam University, collaborated with Sanctuary Care highlight how community belonging supports emotional and physical wellbeing.

“Meaningful social connections are fundamental to us as human beings,” she said. “They improve our sense of well-being, contribute to our quality of life and have the potential to have important benefits for our physical health.

“Relationships can act as a buffer to loneliness, helping us to become more resilient, especially at points of transition in our lives.”

She added: “The research reinforces a growing body of evidence that strong connections with our local community, and the places and spaces where we live and interact, can bring a sense of belonging, which can help sustain us through the challenges and joys of ageing.”

The study reveals that over 65s are most likely to maintain contact with those in their local area (49%). Adults aged 65 and above feel they receive support from others in their street or town more than any other age group and many of them depend on their neighbours for companionship.

In contrast, only 27% of 18 to 24 year olds have friends in their local community, with many resorting to digital connections. While two thirds of all adults surveyed via OnePoll.com appreciate the interactions they have with their community, but don’t engage as often as they would like due to a lack of time or social anxiety.

Sarah Clarke-Kuehn, chief operating officer at Sanctuary Care, which has this week unveiled a unique mosaic mural created by its residents in Worcester city centre, said: “This research highlights the deep impact of social connections on our well-being, especially as we age.

“A sense of belonging is something we all seek, and community ties can provide that feeling of security and togetherness throughout life.

“Supporting our residents to live enriched lives is at the very core of what we do, seeing them come together to create this striking mural has been truly inspiring. Many residents contributed individual artwork, forming a rich tapestry of stories which we hope will serve as a lasting reminder of the strength, support and belonging that community connections bring.”