Middle-aged UK adults are three times more likely to have no close friends than Gen Z, new study finds

• 15% of 45–64 year olds have no close friends compared to 5% of 18–34s, major new UK study finds
• Middle-aged men report the lowest friendship satisfaction of all age groups (56% vs 68% of the general population)
• The Belonging Forum found women aged 45-54 are the most likely to report being dissatisfied with their lives (28% vs 19% of the general population)

London, UK, 13 March 2026 — People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to have no close friends and be less satisfied with the friendships they do have, pointing to a decline in belonging during midlife, according to a new report by the Belonging Forum published today.

The 2026 Belonging Barometer is the Belonging Forum’s third annual report examining belonging in the UK, looking at people’s connections to others, to the places they live, to the institutions and systems that shape their lives, and to meaning and purpose in everyday life. The findings draw on a nationally representative survey of 10,000 adults conducted by Opinium.

The research found that adults aged 45–64 are three times more likely to report having no close friends than younger adults, a key indicator of weakening social belonging. 15% of 45–64s say they have zero close friends, compared with 5% of those aged 18–34.

Midlife also shows the lowest levels of satisfaction with quality of friendships. Only 61% of 35–54-year-olds say they are satisfied with their friendships, compared with 68% of the general population. The figure falls to 56% among men aged 45-54.

The 2026 Belonging Barometer suggest the pressures of midlife also affect everyday forms of belonging and community connection.

Across the population, 44% of UK adults report seeing their neighbours at least once a week, rising to around 56% among over-65s. But among 45–54-year-olds, weekly contact with neighbours drops to 39%.

The Belonging Forum also found that women aged 45-54 are the most likely to say they are dissatisfied with their lives. Over a quarter (26%) of people aged 45-54 are not satisfied with their lives, compared to 19% of the general population. This rises to 28% of women in that age bracket.

Meanwhile, midlife is the point where people report their work is driven more by financial necessity than meaning, pointing to another decline in belonging in daily life. Over half (52%) of 45-54 year olds feel their job is mostly to pay the bills rather than do something meaningful, compared to 46% of the general population.

Despite these midlife pressures, anxiety eases steadily with age. Around 49% of 18–34s reported feeling anxious yesterday, compared with 39% of 45–54s and 21% of over-65s.

Kim Samuel, Founder of the Belonging Forum, said:

“Midlife is often the point when responsibilities are at their highest. People are juggling demanding jobs, financial pressures and caring responsibilities for children and ageing relatives.  Those in their 40s and 50s are often the ones others rely on – and that can create a real strain.

“During this time, social networks can quietly begin to shrink. When people have less time and energy for friendships and community life, their sense of belonging weakens.

“We need to support this load-bearing generation, who are often holding families and wider communities together, so they can stay connected to the relationships and communities that help them thrive.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

For media inquiries and interviews, or further information, please contact: press@belongingforum.com

About the 2026 Belonging Barometer:

• The research was carried out by Opinium on behalf of the Belonging Forum and surveyed a nationally representative sample of 10,001 UK adults. The survey was conducted between 1^st and 17^th December 2025.
• Estimates of the number of people affected are based on the latest mid-year population estimates, which put the UK adult (18+) population at 55,022,253.
• Estimated population figures are therefore calculated by applying survey percentages to the latest UK mid-year adult population estimates, and are indicative estimates based on the nationally representative sample.
• The polling analysed figures from the general population and broken down by demographics including gender, age, socioeconomic status, and working status.
• The full findings of the third edition of the Belonging Barometer can be viewed here.

About the Belonging Forum

The Belonging Forum is a global non-profit advancing the right to belong – a birthright that connects us to one another, to the places we call home, to the systems that shape our lives, and to a shared sense of purpose.

We bring together research, advocacy, and action to ensure belonging is embedded in policies, institutions, and everyday life. Through collaboration with thought leaders, community builders, and changemakers around the world, we turn ideas into impact and build a world where everyone can flourish.

The Belonging Forum was founded by Kim Samuel, activist, author, educator, and leading voice in the global movement for belonging.