New study: 25% of older Americans prefer doing activities solo, other insights on social connections

Family connections and familiar digital platforms remain central to how older Americans maintain their social lives, according to recent CivicScience data examining local social circles and the ways people use apps to meet friends. While younger adults increasingly connect through niche interests and specialized platforms, Baby Boomers and Gen X continue to rely heavily on family-centered networks, established online communities, and independent lifestyles.

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What the new data says

The data show that family-based social circles are the most common structure among U.S. adults, with 35% overall saying their primary local connections revolve around family or family-linked relationships. That pattern is particularly strong among older generations. Baby Boomers report the highest reliance on family-centered circles at 42%, followed by Gen X at 37%, reinforcing the continued importance of long-standing relationships for many Americans over 50.

For many in these age groups, family networks often serve as the backbone of daily social interaction, providing built-in opportunities for gatherings, shared activities, and support. These connections may include extended relatives, adult children, or family friends who have remained part of social circles for years.

At the same time, a significant number of older adults are also embracing independence in their social lives. CivicScience data indicate that 22% of Baby Boomers and 28% of Gen X respondents say they prefer doing activities solo, highlighting a growing comfort with pursuing hobbies, travel, or local experiences independently.

Across all adults surveyed, 25% report preferring independent activities over participation in a consistent social group, making this the second-most common social structure after family-based networks. For many older adults, this independent approach may reflect changing life stages, such as retirement, empty nesting, or the flexibility to pursue personal interests on their own schedule.

Proximity and Community Connections

Beyond family and solo lifestyles, older Americans also maintain connections through people who live or work nearby. About 15% of Baby Boomers and Gen X respondents say their social circles are primarily proximity-based, meaning their connections are largely neighbors or local coworkers.

These types of relationships can be especially meaningful later in life, as nearby social networks often provide day-to-day companionship and convenience. Whether through neighborhood events, community groups, or casual interactions with neighbors, proximity-based friendships remain a steady part of local social life.

Interest-based communities also play a role, though they are somewhat less common among older generations compared with younger adults. According to the data, 15% of Baby Boomers and 13% of Gen X say their social circles are built around shared hobbies or interests, compared with higher levels among younger adults.

Still, these groups — ranging from hobby clubs to fitness communities — continue to provide opportunities for older adults to stay socially engaged while pursuing activities they enjoy.

Digital Connections Still Matter

Although in-person connections remain the foundation of many social circles, digital tools are increasingly supplementing those relationships. CivicScience data show that general social apps remain the most widely used platforms for meeting people or staying connected, particularly among older adults.

Among respondents who have used at least one type of social or friend-finding app, 51% report using general social platforms such as Facebook Groups or Nextdoor. These apps provide ways for people to join community discussions, participate in neighborhood networks, and reconnect with acquaintances.

Older adults show the strongest preference for these general platforms. Seventy-three percent of Gen X and older respondents say they use general social apps to meet people, far exceeding usage among younger generations.

These platforms may feel more accessible for older users because they are already integrated into everyday online habits. Facebook groups, for example, can help users discover local clubs, neighborhood events, or shared-interest communities without needing to download entirely new apps.

Exploring Interest-Based Platforms

While general social apps dominate among older adults, some are also exploring more specialized digital communities.

Interest-based platforms — such as Meetup, Discord, or Strava — allow users to find others who share specific hobbies, ranging from walking groups to book clubs. CivicScience data show that 18% of Gen X and older respondents report using interest-based apps to meet people.

These platforms can offer a structured way to find new communities, particularly for people who have moved, retired, or are looking to expand their social circles through shared activities. Other specialized platforms see smaller adoption among older adults. For instance, travel-specific social apps are used by just 7% of Gen X and older respondents, while friend-finding apps attract about 11% of this group.

Even so, these tools represent a growing range of options for adults looking to connect outside traditional social networks.

Geography Also Plays a Role

Where people live can also shape how they socialize, especially for older Americans.

The data show that family-centered networks are strongest in rural communities, where 40% of respondents say their social circles revolve around family connections. In suburban areas, that figure is 36%, while 33% of city residents report family-based circles. Urban residents are somewhat more likely to participate in identity-based or niche social communities, though these groups still represent a relatively small share overall.

Meanwhile, independent lifestyles are common across all environments. Roughly 27% of city residents report preferring solo activities, compared with 21% in suburbs and 24% in rural areas.

A Familiar Social Foundation

Overall, the data suggest that while social patterns continue to evolve, family ties and familiar platforms remain at the center of social life for many Americans over 50.

Gen X and Baby Boomers may explore new ways to connect — whether through hobbies, neighborhood networks, or online communities — but long-standing relationships still anchor their social worlds.

As digital tools expand and life stages shift, older adults appear to be blending traditional connections with selective new opportunities, creating social circles that balance independence, familiarity, and meaningful relationships.