Making and keeping timeless connections: Examining friendship among the over‐85 age demographic

Abstract Renewed public awareness of the impact of social isolation on health and wellbeing, particularly among younger and older adults, has prompted greater investment in resources to promote social connection. However, little has been done to address the specific connectedness needs of the 85+ age demographic, one of the fastest growing demographics in the U.S. This exploratory, mixed‐methods study draws on cross‐sectional data collected in 2024 from a longitudinal panel of the over‐85 age demographic to examine how a sample of the 85+ perceive and experience friendship in the latest phase of life. Findings underscore the strong value the oldest‐old placed on their friendships and their longevity, the challenges of making friendships, including diminishing opportunities and openness toward new connections, the shifting composition of the friendship network in later life, and the influence gender can have on these relationships. Results highlight an opportunity for policies across many levels to acknowledge and address friendship as an important social relationship influencing health and wellbeing in later life, including local investment in community‐based social programming and awareness campaigns, state‐wide expansion of mobility solutions for older riders, and a national focus on expanding broadband and device access and coverage for services under Medicare. While this study is not generalizable to all 85+‐year‐olds, it represents a starting point for further research and policy advocacy that includes a consideration of the role of friendship in influencing social health in the latest phase of life.