Relationships: Why Connection Matters More Than Ever
- Claire
- Jun 3
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 4
This article is part of a series exploring the pillars that help people to flourish. Our approach draws on the PERMA model developed by Professor Martin Seligman, a leading psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania and former President of the American Psychological Association.
Introduction
Imagine a week without speaking to anyone who truly knows you.
No conversations with family. No catch ups with friends. No familiar faces dropping by.
No one asking how you are and genuinely wanting to know the answer.
For most of us, that would be difficult.
Human beings are naturally social. We are wired for connection. Whether it is family, friends, neighbours, community groups or trusted professionals, relationships play a vital role in our wellbeing throughout life.
Yet relationships are often something we take for granted until they begin to change.
As we get older, maintaining social connections can become more challenging. Retirement may reduce daily interactions. Health conditions can make it harder to get out and about. Friends and partners may pass away. Family members may live further away than they once did. Gradually, opportunities for connection can begin to shrink.
Within Martin Seligman's PERMA model of wellbeing, Relationships are one of the five key pillars that help people flourish. Positive relationships help us feel connected, valued, understood and supported.
At Thrive Homecare, relationships sit at the heart of wellbeing. They are not simply something that makes life more enjoyable. They are one of the foundations that help us live well.
Why Relationships Matter
Think about some of the happiest moments in your life.
Chances are, many of them involved other people. A family celebration. A friendship that has stood the test of time. A meaningful conversation. A shared achievement. A moment of laughter.
Relationships provide far more than company. They help shape our identity, provide emotional support and give us a sense of belonging.
Psychologist Martin Seligman recognised this when developing the PERMA model. He identified relationships as a core pillar of wellbeing because people thrive when they feel connected to others. Research supports this idea.
One of the longest studies ever conducted into human wellbeing, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, found that strong relationships were one of the most important predictors of health, happiness and life satisfaction as people age.
The study's conclusion was remarkably simple: Good relationships help us live happier and healthier lives.
The Different Relationships That Shape Our Wellbeing
When we hear the word "relationships", we often think first about family.
Family relationships are undoubtedly important, but they are only one part of the picture. Wellbeing can be influenced by many different types of connection:
Family
A spouse, children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family members often provide love, support and a sense of belonging. But its important to recognise that family relationships can sometimes be complicated or strained.
Friendships
Friendships offer companionship, shared interests and emotional support.
Friends often know parts of our story that nobody else does. Maintaining friendships can help people stay connected to their identity and social life.
Community Connections
Neighbours, clubs, faith groups, volunteer organisations and local communities all create opportunities for meaningful relationships. These connections help people feel part of something larger than themselves.
Relationships with Professionals
Trusting relationships with support professionals can also have a significant impact on wellbeing. When support is delivered by people who genuinely take the time to know and understand someone, it becomes much more than a service.
It becomes a relationship built on trust, familiarity and understanding.
Pets and Animals
For many people, relationships with pets provide companionship, comfort and emotional connection. The bond between people and animals can be incredibly powerful and should never be underestimated.
Why Relationships Can Become More Challenging in Later Life
Later life often brings changes that affect social connection. Retirement may mean losing daily contact with colleagues. Health conditions can make travelling or socialising more difficult. A loss of confidence following illness or a fall can lead people to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. Bereavement may leave someone feeling isolated after losing a partner or close friend. These experiences are common, yet their impact on wellbeing is often underestimated.
Loneliness is not simply about being alone. Loneliness occurs when someone lacks the meaningful connections they need. A person can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Equally, someone living alone may feel deeply connected through strong relationships and regular social interaction. This is why the quality of relationships matters just as much as the quantity.
The Impact of Loneliness
Research has shown that loneliness can affect both physical and emotional wellbeing.
People experiencing prolonged loneliness may be more likely to experience:
Reduced confidence
Low mood
Anxiety
Reduced motivation
Poorer physical health outcomes
Lower overall wellbeing
This is one reason why social connection is such an important part of healthy ageing.
Relationships provide emotional support during difficult times and create opportunities for joy, laughter and shared experiences. They remind us that we matter and we belong.
How Thrive Supports Relationships
At Thrive Homecare, relationships are central to our approach. In fact, we describe our philosophy as relationship-centred care because we believe meaningful relationships are one of the most important contributors to wellbeing.
Our Health & Wellbeing Associates do far more than complete tasks. They take time to build genuine connections. They learn about the person's life story. They discover what matters to them. They understand their interests, preferences and aspirations.
Over time, trust develops. Conversations become easier. Confidence grows.
We regularly see how companionship, consistency and connection help people feel more positive about life. Sometimes it is the smallest interactions that have the greatest impact. A familiar face arriving at the door. A shared joke. A conversation about a favourite memory. A cup of tea together.
These moments matter.
A Real Example
Gerald had become isolated and lonely after a head injury. We matched him with a companion who shared his sense of humour and love of socialising and helped him reconnect with activities he enjoyed. With our support, he began enjoying weekly pub lunches, where he built friendships with the staff and regulars. This support helped him rebuild friendships, engage with life again, and feel included, confident, and connected with people once more.
Living Life In Colour
Relationships are about far more than social interaction. They help us feel valued, connected and understood. They provide support during difficult times and create opportunities for joy, laughter and shared experiences.
At Thrive Homecare, we believe meaningful relationships are one of the foundations of wellbeing. That is why we place such importance on getting to know the people we support and building genuine connections that help them continue to flourish.
Because life is better when it is shared with others.
Explore the rest of the PERMA(H) pillars:
If you would like to learn more about our companionship, visiting care, live-in care or dementia support services, contact us today for a no obligation chat.
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