THE typical adult has eight friends – but only count four to be in their close circle.
A study of 2,000 people found are likely to peak in our early twenties – with 21 being the most common time to form new bonds, while 31 is the age where we tend to drift apart.
Reasons for lost friendships include moving away (49 per cent) and major life changes such as , a new job or starting a (42 per cent).
Despite this, one in three (33 per cent) are still in touch with their childhood friends and 32 per cent remain closely tied with people from the community they grew up in.
The research, commissioned by care home provider Sanctuary Care, found 46 per cent said feeling connected to their community gives them a sense of belonging.
And 34 per cent agreed it makes them feel safer and more secure.
Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director at the Centre for Loneliness Studies and the Campaign to End Loneliness at Sheffield Hallam University, partnered with Sanctuary Care to highlight how community belonging supports emotional and physical .
Andrea said: “Meaningful social connections are fundamental to us as human beings.
“They improve our sense of well-being, contribute to our quality of life and have the potential to have important benefits for our physical .
“Relationships can act as a buffer to , helping us to become more resilient, especially at points of transition in our lives.
“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 .”;
The study also explored generational differences, with over 65s most likely to stay in touch with those in their local area (49 per cent).
And 48 per cent of Boomers agreed feeling connected to others within their community makes them feel more “at home”, compared to 38 per cent of s.
Adults aged 65 and over feel they have support from others in their street or town more than any other age group (28 per cent) and 46 per cent of rely on their neighbours for friendship.
In contrast, just 27 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds have friends in their local community with many turning to connections in the digital world (31 per cent).
While 62 per cent of all adults polled via OnePoll.com value the interactions they have with their community, barriers preventing regular engagement include a lack of time (35 per cent) and social anxiety (28 per cent).
As a result, 30 per cent claim casual events would help them feel more engaged.
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 an individual artwork, forming a rich tapestry of stories which we hope will serve as lasting reminder of the strength, support and belonging that community connections bring.”;
