A recent AARP study found that, on average, women 60-plus have 13 social connections, and that creating and maintaining relationships is a priority for this age group. Most of those surveyed relied on text messaging weekly or more often (81%), while others made it a priority to talk over the phone (62%), connect through social media (60%), or meet in person (59%). About half communicated via email, and some used Facetime or other video chat platforms.

For those choosing to communicate via social media, Facebook is the platform of choice, the study found. In 2022, AARP developed The Ethel CircleSM, a private Facebook group providing followers a safe space to converse about healthy aging and celebrate personal achievements. AARP later expanded The Ethel Facebook community to include the Ethel On-The-GoSM private group for those who enjoy all things travel, and more than 100 private Ethel Gathering Groups for women seeking to meet others in their local area. Membership now exceeds 135,000 women.

Top motivations for joining The Ethel Circle were to find a community of like-minded women (79%); learn something new (61%); share challenges and receive advice (59%); and have fun (52%). Nearly 64% of the Ethel Gathering group members have met up with other members in their area and 47% said their local group has brought them real-life, in-person friendships.

According to AARP, providing women with a platform like the Ethel Circle private Facebook group could lead to building more meaningful relationships, sharing experiences, and finding support within a community of like-minded women, all key to building strong connections.

To download the two studies upon which these conclusions were based, click here