Staying Social As You Age: Why It Matters More Than Ever

Aging is a natural part of life, and while many older adults anticipate a slower pace and increased relaxation, one reality stands out: staying socially connected is vital for health, happiness, and overall quality of life. Below, we explore why social engagement matters for older adults, what the data tell us about contrasting experiences (living socially vs. living in isolation), and how communities and individuals can act.

What the Research Tells Us

The Risks of Isolation

• About 34 % of U.S. adults ages 50-80 report feeling a lack of companionship “some of the time” or often. Michigan Medicine Research+3PMC+3JAMA Network+3

• Around 24 % of Americans aged 65+ are considered socially isolated. NCBI+1

• A national poll found 33 % of older adults (50-80) in 2024 said they felt lonely (same rate as 2018) and 29 % said they felt isolated some of the time or often. University of Michigan Health+1

• For those living alone, social contact with children and grandchildren is lower: only ~80% contact children weekly vs. ~90% for those living with others. Pew Research Center

• Living alone also correlates with higher odds of loneliness and isolation. In one home-health population, 29.5% lived alone and living alone was associated with higher loneliness. PubMed

• Social isolation and loneliness are not just “feelings” — they are associated with poor health: ~50% increased risk of dementia, increased risk of cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. NCBI+1

These numbers signal a clear truth: when older adults lose regular social contact, the effects ripple into emotional wellness, physical health, and quality of life.

The Benefits of Social Living and Activity

On the flip side, older adults living in environments with built-in social opportunities show improved outcomes. For example:

• In a survey of older adults who moved into senior living communities, 69% said they felt lonely a majority of the time before moving in; after the move, only 42% still felt that way. WTOP News+2Givens Estates+2

• 61% said their feelings of loneliness or isolation improved after the move. WTOP News+1

• 85% reported making friends since moving into a senior living community. WTOP News+1

• The same survey found that residents participate in activities they enjoy 19% more often, engage in physical activity 20% more often, and find meaning/purpose daily 21% more often after moving into a senior living community. McKnights Senior Living+1

• In terms of programs: one needs-assessment found 86% of older adults reported attending community activities, and 65% volunteering in the community—but also 53% reported feeling lonely or isolated sometimes or often. aaawm.org

In short, environments that facilitate regular interactions, shared activities, and meaningful roles contribute strongly to better social and health outcomes.

Why Staying Social Matters

1. Emotional & Mental Health-Human beings are social creatures—regardless of age. As we get older, factors such as retirement, friends or partners passing away, mobility challenges, or children moving away can reduce opportunities for interaction. Without regular engagement:

• Loneliness can lead to depression and anxiety. Michigan Medicine+1

• The feeling of having fewer friends or less contact is more common in older men living alone (48% say they’re “very satisfied” with their number of friends vs. 62% men living with others). Pew Research Center

2. Physical Health-Social isolation doesn’t just “feel bad”—it is bad for physical health.

• Social isolation is associated with increased risk of incident coronary heart disease (~29%) and stroke (~32%). NCBI

• Lonely and isolated older adults are at elevated risk of earlier death. NCBI+1

• Regular participation in activities—especially those combining social + physical elements—is linked to better mobility, mood, and purpose. (see data above)

3. Cognitive & Purposeful Living-Staying socially engaged helps maintain cognitive sharpness and supports a sense of meaning. Engaging with others, volunteering, learning new things, or taking part in group activities all bolster mental stimulation and life satisfaction. The senior living community survey data reflect this: increased participation in enjoyable activities and improved sense of purpose.

4. Quality of Life & Aging Well-Beyond health metrics, social engagement supports a richer, fuller later life: friendships, laughter, shared memories, collective activities. When older adults engage with others regularly, they are less likely to feel “just existing” and more likely to experience life as meaningful.

Implications for Seniors (and Their Families)

If you (or someone you care about) are aging, here are some take-aways based on the data and research:

• Prioritize regular face-to-face or very meaningful interactions. Phone calls or video chats help, but in-person (or group) presence seems especially powerful.

• Seek environments with built-in social opportunities. Whether it’s a senior living community, a local senior center, a church group, a volunteering cohort, or a club—having regular, structured social activities makes a difference. The data on senior living communities underscore this.

• Look for variety and choice in social activity. Social engagement isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some older adults prefer exercise groups, others arts & crafts, others discussion groups, or intergenerational programs. Diverse options help maintain interest and regular participation.

• Watch for signs of withdrawal. If an older adult is living alone, especially with mobility or health challenges, and going long stretches without social contact, this raises risk factors for loneliness, isolation, and associated health outcomes.

• Encourage meaningful roles. Social engagement isn’t just “getting people together” — it’s about contribution, purpose, agency. Volunteering, mentoring, leading a group, helping others—all help.

• Design your living environment to support connection. If aging in place, consider neighborhood walkability, proximity to friends/family, accessibility of transportation, and how easy it is to participate in communal activities. The AARP data show older adults value communities with social features. AARP

• If choosing a senior living community, ask: What are the social programs? How many residents report making friends? What support is there for new residents to engage? The survey shows that moving to a supportive community can reduce loneliness significantly.

Aging doesn’t mean the social part of life needs to shrink. In fact, it may become more important as other life roles shift (retirement, children grown, health changes). Staying socially connected isn’t a luxury—it’s a key ingredient of aging well.

The statistics tell a clear story: a large portion of older adults face loneliness or isolation; conversely, older adults in social-rich living environments show measurable benefits in activity, health, and sense of purpose. The choices we make—where we live, how we spend our days, which connections we nurture—really do matter.

Don’t treat socializing as a bonus. For older adults, it’s fundamental. Whether you’re exploring senior living options, or aging in place, cultivating social ties and meaningful activity is one of the best investments in longevity, wellbeing, and joy.