Social relations, survey on level of living, 2008

5 percent of the Norwegian population say they lack a close friend, 9 percent in the age group 67 years and older say the same. Both in total and among the elderly this is a small increase from previous surveys in 2002 and 2005. If we look at contact with friends in general, the same pattern is present. In 1998 4 percent reported that they had little contact with friends, and in 2002 and 2008 7 percent stated the same. If we look at the oldest age group, persons aged 67 years and older, 14 percent says they have little contact with friends in 2008.

More frequent contact with friends than family

23 per cent have little contact with their parents, which means that they see them less often than every months. However, most norwegians see their parents monthly or more often¹.

14 percent have little contact with their own children, while 37 percent have little contact with their brothers and sisters. These patterns have been stable from 1998 to 2008.

Even though most people see their family monthly or more often, even more people see their friends this often. Only 7 per cent see their friends less often than every month. Only the oldest age group usually see their family more often than they see friends.

Neighbours help each other - but seldom visit each other

In addition to family and friends neighbours are also a part of peoples network. Most people think it’s easy to get practical help from their neighbours. Almost nine out of ten say that it’s not difficult to get practical help from neighbours if they need it. More people in the oldest age group find it difficult to get practical help. But even though neighbours think it’s easy to help each other, many answer that they don’t know anybody in their neighbourhood good enough to them. Almost three out of ten say so.