As we age, our needs and routines evolve—but one thing remains constant: the need for connection. Adult friendships are more than just nice to have; they’re essential for our physical and emotional well-being. In fact, social connection has been shown to impact longevity more than diet or exercise.
But if making friends as an adult feels harder than it used to, you’re not alone.
Dr. Marisa Franco, psychologist and bestselling author of Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends, believes many adults struggle with connection because they assume it will happen naturally. “We had structure and vulnerability when we were younger,” she explains. “Now, we have to be more intentional.”
3 Simple Practices to Foster Connection
1. Stop waiting for friendships to “just happen.”
Adults don’t have the built-in infrastructure of daily school or sports teams. So, join recurring groups—whether it’s a book club, walking group, or hobby class. Familiarity builds trust.
2. Assume people like you.
Researchers have found that simply believing others enjoy your company helps you appear warmer and more open. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.
3. Go beyond group time.
Invite someone to coffee before or after an event. These one-on-one moments often spark deeper bonds.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
A big mistake? Believing you need to be funny, smart, or charismatic to make friends. “People don’t value that as much as feeling like they matter,” says Dr. Franco. The best friends aren’t the most entertaining—they’re the most attentive.
Another trap: focusing only on how others treat you. “To be a good friend,” Dr. Franco says, “we need to think more about how we’re affecting people—are we making them feel loved and valued?”
Why Friendship Is a Lifesaver
Studies show that loneliness increases risk of death more than obesity, smoking, or inactivity. Social connection boosts everything from immune function to heart health. Dr. Franco describes loneliness as “not just a state of mind, but a worldview,” one that dims empathy and accelerates physical wear.
But the good news? Just one meaningful connection can begin to reverse the effects.
A Transition Toward Connection
Whether you’re downsizing, aging in place, or entering retirement, these life transitions offer opportunities to reimagine what connection looks like in your daily routine. That’s where Caring Transitions of Cedar Rapids & Iowa City comes in.
Our compassionate professionals do more than organize and relocate—we help clients create environments that foster joy, independence, and human connection. Let us support you through the emotional and logistical steps of life’s next chapter, so you can focus on what truly matters: relationships, memories, and community.
Ready to reconnect with what matters most?
Schedule your free consultation and begin your transition toward a more connected, fulfilling life.