Making friends in later life can be vital

Friendships are important at all stages of life - but it becomes harder the older you get. As International Friendship Day approaches, we take a look at making connections when you are older...

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Jenny Lippiatt, strategic programme manager in the health team at Age UK, says that friendship for all generations is of high importance.

"There's a lot of evidence to suggest that having social connections is really good for your mental and physical health," she says.

UKCP psychotherapist and senior lecturer and course lead at Birmingham City University, Kirsten Antoncich agrees that the impacts of friendship are huge for the older generation.

"I think one of the first things is that friendships are incredibly protective against isolation and low mood," she says. "Being connected in a friendship and being listened to brings a wave of really positive chemicals to the brain.

"Friendship and connections can also bring a sense of purpose, which we know is essential for warding off low mood and depression.

"We also know it improves cognitive health so the more friendships somebody has, it's linked to things like better cognitive performance and a slow cognitive decline."