Good friends are hard to find — and even harder to hold on to — according to new research.

A random sample of 2,000 Americans aged 55 and over were surveyed in a report conducted OnePoll for Life Time, finding a fifth feel lonely during more than half the week.

Three quarters admitted their social circle has shrunk as they’ve gotten older and nearly half of respondents (48%) sharing that they’ve stopped being friends with at least three people in the last two years.

However, 83% are optimistic about new friends, saying feeling it’s never too late in life to create fulfilling relationships.

As people get older, 52% say they want to focus on spending their time with friends, 40% want to travel and 39% want to improve their overall health.

Out of the 70% of respondents that said they’re interested in making new friends, they want to be pals with likeminded people, hoping to forge a friendship with someone who likes the same things, has had similar life experiences and who wants to remain active together.

People are more likely to try — and remain — active if they have a friend to motivate them, with 64% claim they would be more physically active if they had someone to do it with and 46% saying they’ve made a new friend while being active.

Of those surveyed, 60% said they’d try out a new activity if they had someone to do it with, hoping to make a friend through walking or hiking (48%), swimming (32%) or strength and conditioning classes (31%) with 37% admit it can get lonely by to stay active solo.

Renee Main, senior vice president of healthy aging at Life Time told South West News Service it may seem “intimidating” to start a new activity, it’ll be worth it for your physical and mental health.

“[It’s] actually it’s a great way to make new friends,” she said. “While improving your health and overall well-being — especially when you’re supported by a coach who’s been trained to assist older adults.”

Although good for the mind and body, 63% of people admit that they’ve put off certain aspects of taking care of their health, with 54% admitting they don’t exercise regularly, 37% not eating well and 37% drinking enough water.

However, the facts don’t lie — friendship is better for all ages.

“Whether you’re nine years old or 90, people tend to be happier and healthier when they regularly participate in activities with friends,” Main said.

“If you want to experience a long and joyful life, then get out there, make new friends, and have fun trying new things together.”