A FEW GOOD FRIENDS
How Close Friendships Help Beat Loneliness in Later Life
Many older adults assume that having a large circle of friends is the key to avoiding loneliness. In recognition of July 30 as the International Day of Friendship, this is a good time to explore research showing that just a few deep, meaningful friendships can be just as powerful for seniors’ health and well-being.
Loneliness is on the rise nationwide, but research published in 2022 by the journal Ageing & Society found that having just four close friends can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness in older adults. Three close friends are enough to ease stress, and two can help ward off depression. Friendship plays a powerful role in older adults’ health. As we age, emotionally close relationships become more important than ever. Prolonged loneliness across all age groups has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, difficulty managing stress, poor sleep quality, and cognitive decline. It also correlates with more frequent doctor and emergency room visits. The research suggests that working to increase the number of friends a senior has is less important than nurturing and deepening the warm bonds they already have.
Friendship patterns in later life reflect these findings. Older adults tend to have higher- quality friendships than younger people and report greater satisfaction with those relationships. They are also more focused on maintaining existing close friendships than forming new ones. The research also shows that spending time with friends may ease loneliness more effectively than interacting with children or grandchildren. This may be because friendships are chosen, while family relationships can be shaped by caregiving roles and other obligations. At Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, we understand how vital social connections are to our clients’ well-being. We host a variety of social, educational, and charitable events each year to help foster a sense of community and belonging. We hope you will join us at one soon!
CHEESY TOMATO- BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
INGREDIENTS
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4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cloves garlic, smashed 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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1/2 cup basil pesto
Chili flakes, to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves Salt and pepper, to taste
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1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes. DIRECTIONS
SOLUTION ON PAGE 2
WHAT DO YOU CALL A SNOWMAN IN THE
SUMMER? A PUDDLE!
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