Companionship & Aging / Community
GOAL: Show that companionship and friendly visits can reduce depression and improve quality of life among older adults, especially those at risk of loneliness or isolation.
KEYWORDS TO SEARCH: “befriending older adults,” “companionship intervention seniors,” “social support aging mental health.”
EXAMPLE STUDY: Mead, N., Lester, H., Chew-Graham, C., Gask, L., Bower, P. (2010). Effects of Befriending on Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life Among Older Adults. BMJ.
FOUND: Regular, supportive visits from trained volunteers (befriending) significantly improved mood and overall life satisfaction among older adults. The study highlights how simple human connection—listening, companionship, and shared time—can meaningfully enhance emotional health in aging populations.
GOAL: Show that companionship and meaningful social connections in later life reduce loneliness, strengthen emotional well-being, and promote healthy aging within communities.
KEYWORDS TO SEARCH: “companionship older adults,” “social engagement seniors,” “peer support aging,” “community connection mental health,” “positive aging relationships.”
EXAMPLE STUDY: Tang, J.P.S., Liu, T., Lu, S., Sze, L.C.Y., et al. (2022). “‘It was the deepest level of companionship’: Peer-to-peer experience of supporting community-dwelling older people with depression.” BMC Geriatrics, 22:443.
FOUND: Older adult peer supporters formed genuine emotional bonds with those they helped, leading to stronger feelings of belonging, purpose, and well-being for both parties. These deep, mutual relationships went beyond formal “helping” and became meaningful friendships that reduced depression and isolation.
Meals with a Friend — where companionship becomes care.
