January 9, 2025
1 in 4 older Michiganders lack enough friends. That’s a health concern
Older Americans are increasingly experiencing loneliness and isolation. According to new research, one in three older Americans feel a lack of companionship “some of the time” or “often,” while 1 in 10 older Americans could not name one close friend. Feelings of social isolation and loneliness can surge after retirement because even if they are not close to coworker, those ties are crucial. Sarah Patterson says, “We often don’t think about them, because they’re weak or, you know, not as strong as perhaps other relationships, but they do provide important connections for people.”