Social Connections & Leisure

The Power of Social Connections for Older Adults

Social interactions, whether through friendships, romantic relationships, or shared activities like gaming, allow older adults to stay engaged with family, friends, and their communities, leading to a higher quality of life and enhancing happiness, health, well-being, and longevity.

On this page:

Featured I Spotlights I Subtopics I Latest Reports

Featured

group of older friends hiking with binoculars

Building Bonds: The Importance of Travel, Work & Community

AARP Research’s Building Bonds infographic highlights how adults age 50-plus foster meaningful connections through everyday experiences. From traveling with loved ones and forging friendships in the workplace, to engaging in civic and volunteer activities, it underscores how these touchpoints—often overlooked—play a powerful role in promoting inclusion, purpose, and belonging.

Spotlights

Older members of yoga class socializing outside

Technology Bridges Gap Between Isolation and Social Connection

For older adults, technology can facilitate a lifeline of social connection, helping to combat isolation and loneliness.

A beautiful senior woman scrolls through social media on her smartphone while relaxing in her home.

Women 60-plus Find Social Connections in Community Building

Women 60 or older have, on average, 13 social connections aside from family, according to a recent AARP survey.

Game Play Builds Bonds and Supports Health Among the 50+

Playing games with friends fosters social connections enhances cognitive health, and boosts overall well-being among older adults.

Social Interaction Drives Happiness as We Age

Social interaction with friends and family is the key driver impacting happiness among midlife and older adults.

Older Adults Face Unique Challenges and Milestones

This report provides a research-based overview into the various shifts and changes many people experience as they age.

Sex and Relationships: Older Adults Crave Intimacy

Americans continue to value intimacy with a partner later in life, but what that desire for intimacy looks like varies by age and gender.

Senior female friends catching up over coffee in a seaside cafe. They are chatting to one another and sharing photos on a smartphone.

The Pandemic's Impact on Friendships

Making new friends is more difficult now than pre-pandemic for many older adults and maintaining friendships is a challenge for some.

The COVID Reset: Prioritizing Social Connections

Americans are strengthening connection with friends and family now that the pandemic is waning.

Life is Good, Especially for Older Americans

As people age, optimism and contentment emerge alongside an alignment of expectations and realities.

Older man and younger man playing a video game together at home

The Positive Impact of Intergenerational Friendships

A new study on adult friendships finds that having friends of a different generation brings unique benefits.

A group of volunteers packing boxes at a food bank

Giving Back: Attitudes and Behaviors Across the Lifespan

Americans are redefining volunteerism and what it means to give back as they seek to make a difference in their communities.

Man walking alone down a road holding briefcase and umbrella

Loneliness and Social Connections: A National Survey of Adults 45+

Loneliness affects over a third of midlife and older adults, finds this follow up study to AARP’s 2010 report.

Love Valentine's Day? It's Complicated

AARP Foundation Survey finds connections, not candy, are preferred way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Older friends or family socializing outside

Fostering Community Engagement and Connection for Older Adults

As the average age of U.S. residents continues to rise, communities must assess how they are fostering engagement among older adults.

Older African American man sitting by window in bedroom

Medicare Spends More on Socially Isolated Older Adults

A lack of social contacts among older adults is associated with an estimated $6.7 billion in additional Medicare spending annually.

Social Connections & Leisure: Subtopics

Activities & Interests

The activities and interests pursued by older adults help define their community and individual connections.

Family & Interpersonal Relationships

Older adults experience fulfilling and complex relationships as friends, romantic partners, parents, and grandparents.

Travel

AARP tracks travel trends annually, taking account of circumstances that affect travel costs and plans.

Volunteering & Giving

Older adults have much to contribute, and they give back through volunteering and community service.

Latest Reports

Older Adults' Thoughts on Purpose in Everyday Activities

A recent survey by AARP examines essential elements that foster a sense of purpose and satisfaction in everyday activities for older adults.

Date: August 8, 2025

Adult Opinions on and Acceptance of Tattoos and Other Body Art

Americans today get tattoos for varied reasons and are generally satisfied with them, and most believe society has become more accepting of tattoos.

Date: July 21, 2025

LGBTQ+ Adults Feel Vulnerability When Receiving Health Care

Older LGBTQ+ adults often feel vulnerable in health care settings, leading many to hide their identities or avoid care.

Date: June 2, 2025

Older Americans Eager to Travel in 2025

Older Americans are eager to travel in 2025, with 70% planning trips. Interest in international travel is up, but cost and health remain key barriers.

Date: March 6, 2025

Older Viewers Call for an End to Ageism in Media

A recent AARP survey found that older adults believe they are rarely seen in diverse and dynamic roles in movies and on television.

Date: February 7, 2025

Older Adults Use Tech When Playing Racket Sports

More than half of adults 50-plus use technology to monitor their physical activity when playing racket sports like pickleball and tennis.

Date: January 3, 2025