Friendship Across Generations

Society’s organization into age-based groups significantly impacts social interactions throughout the life course. This structure, while providing a framework for social norms and expectations, can also lead to a gradual decline in social relationships as people age. Those nature and dynamics of friendship evolve significantly across different generations, influenced by societal changes, technological advancements, and shifting life priorities.

In childhood and adolescence, social circles are often expansive, centred around school and extracurricular activities, and friendships are often characterized by large, diverse networks facilitated by social media and digital communication (Twenge et al., 2019). Young adults typically experience a peak in social connections, with networks expanding through higher education and early career stages. However, as individuals reach adulthood, their social circles can begin to shrink due to increased family and work responsibilities, and often their social contacts are restricted to the people they work with (Wrzus et al., 2013).

The transition to later life often brings significant changes in social dynamics. Retirement, for instance, can lead to the loss of work-based relationships. Empty nest syndrome may reduce family-centred interactions. A decline in physical health can reduce mobility and limit opportunities for social interaction. As a result, older adults may experience a diminishing social network, increasing the risk of social isolation and loneliness (Cornwell & Waite, 2009). Nevertheless, research indicates that older adults tend to value the quality of their relationships over the quantity, emphasizing emotionally meaningful connections, as they prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships over broader social networks. According to the “socioemotional selectivity theory,” as individuals become more aware of the finite nature of time, they prioritize deeper, more significant social interactions (Carstensen et al., 1999; Zhaoyang et al., 2018).

On the other side, intergenerational friendships, while less common, offer unique benefits. They can provide fresh perspectives, combat age-related stereotypes, and foster mutual learning. Programs that facilitate intergenerational connections, such as mentoring schemes or community projects, can be particularly valuable in bridging generational gaps (Hatton-Yeo & Ohsako, 2000).

The concept of friendship itself may differ across generations. While younger generations might consider online-only connections as friendships, older adults may place more value on face-to-face interactions. Understanding these generational differences is crucial for developing strategies to foster meaningful social connections across all age groups.