A typical adult has eight friends but only four in their close circle

The typical adult has eight friends - but only count four to be in their close circle.

A study of 2,000 people found connections are likely to peak in our early twenties – with 21 being the most common time to form new bonds, while 31 is the age where we tend to drift apart.

Reasons for lost friendships include moving away (49 per cent) and major life changes such as marriage, a new job or starting a family (42 per cent).

The research, commissioned by care home provider Sanctuary Care [https://www.sanctuary-care.co.uk], found 46 per cent said feeling connected to their community gives them a sense of belonging.

Professor Andrea Wigfield, Director at the Centre for Loneliness Studies and the Campaign to End Loneliness at Sheffield Hallum University, partnered with Sanctuary Care to highlight how community belonging supports emotional and physical wellbeing.

Andrea said: “Meaningful social connections are fundamental to us as human beings.”