Friendship quality plays a key role in combating loneliness for adults over 50, particularly important for those without children. Loneliness is a top dementia risk factor later in life according to the 2024 Lancet Commission report on dementia prevention.
Published In: The Gerontologist
Date: October 2025
Authors: Rataj et al.
Link to Study: https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaf204
Summary
This study explored how being childless affects loneliness in adults aged 50 and older, and whether strong friendships can help reduce that loneliness. Researchers found that childless adults tend to feel lonelier than parents. However, those with supportive, low-strain friendships experienced significantly less loneliness, suggesting that the quality of friendships can act as a buffer. These, in light of the 2024 Lancet Commission report (and other research) that identified loneliness as a leading modifiable risk factor for dementia later in life, underscoring the importance of strong social ties for brain health.
Key Takeaways
✅ Older adults without children experience more loneliness, a key dementia risk factor.
✅ High-quality, low strain friendships reduce loneliness, especially for those without children.
✅ Parents may experience emotional companionship from their children that childless adults often seek from friends.
Why It Matters for You
Loneliness in later life isn’t just emotionally painful, it’s also a serious threat to brain health.
The 2024 Lancet Commission identifies loneliness as the top modifiable risk factor for dementia later in life.
Building and maintaining supportive friendships can be a powerful way to protect your brain, boost emotional resilience, and stay mentally sharp as you age.
Citation
Rataj, A. C., Alberth, A., Su, Y. J., Stam, E. J., & Stokes, J. E. (2025). The association between childlessness and loneliness in later life: Does friendship play a moderating role? The Gerontologist, 65(11), gnaf204. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaf204