The Importance of Friendship | the Story of an Ageless Bond

What is the importance of friendship in later life?

 

Our residents at Mountside Care Home, Peggy and Barbara, are proving that there’s no age barrier when it comes to making new friends.

 

In honour of International Friendship Day, the pair celebrated their blossoming connection, showing the importance of friendship.

 

Read on to find out more about this ageless bond:

 

The Importance of Friendship: Building a Bond

Peggy and Barbara recently struck up a friendship after discovering that both of their daughters had worked as exam invigilators at local schools.

 

The duo have since become inseparable, and can often be found deep in conversation over a hot drink, or joined at the hip during one of the home’s various activities.

 

Nurturing social connections can have excellent benefits for older adults, as friendships play a pivotal role in promoting emotional wellbeing and positive mental health. Socialising with friends can also stimulate the mind and provide emotional support.

International Friendship Day

International Friendship Day aims to highlight the importance of friendship across cultures. It emphasises the value of building meaningful relationships, and the impact this has on our overall wellbeing and society as a whole.

 

Friendships can provide a source of validation and acceptance, whilst reinforcing an individual’s sense of identity. They’re also a great support system, providing empathy and understanding.

 

Barbara said, “We really enjoy each other’s company and doing things together.”

Bringing People Together; the Importance of Friendship

Companionship can reduce feelings of isolation by offering regular interaction, conversations and shared activities. This also offers a sense of belonging and purpose.

 

Regarding their newfound friendship, Peggy said: “It’s great having someone to talk to who understands me, and she always knows how to make me laugh.”

 

Peggy previously worked in a village shop and post office, whilst Barbara, who has been a resident at Mountside for 12 years, was previously a nanny for Lord Peckingham.

 

Older adults tend to have a wealth of life experiences and stories to share, and a friendship like Peggy and Barbara’s is a great example of how sharing these stories can lead to a new relationship.

 

The pair’s outstanding bond shows the importance of friendship, and that you can build genuine connections at any stage of your life.

Creating Relationships Through Care

At Mountside, we encourage our residents to form new friendships, and strive to make them feel a part of a community.

A study by Age UK found that a staggering 60% of people in care homes reported not receiving any visitors. We actively aim to integrate our residents into the community and work to alleviate any sense of isolation and loneliness.

We offer a range of activities that benefit our residents’ lives, promoting social engagement, cognitive stimulation, and emotional fulfilment.

Get in touch with a member of our friendly team to find more about ACI Care and what we offer.

Why not also check out our recent blog about the best social activities for the elderly?