Navigating Aging and Social Bonds: How Virtual Networks Shape Friendships Among Older Adult Women

Abstract

Friendships in later life play a crucial role in providing emotional support, social interaction, and a sense of belonging, particularly for older adults who lack family support. Traditionally, friendships were maintained through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and written letters. However, with the advent of digital technology, virtual networks have emerged as vital tools in sustaining these connections, particularly for older adults with limited mobility or geographical separation. This study examined the advantages, challenges, and emotional impact of virtual friendships in later life through qualitative interviews with eight older women aged 75 to 100 from two cultural groups: Korean American and White American. It emphasized how digital connectivity shapes social relationships and offered strategies to blend virtual and in-person interactions to enhance the social well-being of aging populations.