New research confirms that forming friendships becomes more difficult with age, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans. Sixty-nine percent agreed that maintaining many close friends grows challenging as people get older. The average American has 3.6 close friends and loses nearly one good friend annually. Over the past decade, respondents reported losing touch with an average of 8.7 friends. Generation Z experienced higher friendship losses at 10.4 compared to baby boomers at 7.7. Men reported losing 9.6 friendships while women lost 7.8 on average. Geographic distance emerged as the top reason for friendship decline at 50%, followed by life transitions at 48%. (Story URL)

PHONE TOPIC: What’s your secret to maintaining friendships as you age?