[tr0ut]

I don't really believe it is harder across the board after 30. I think it can be difficult in certain situations. But overall I believe it to actually be easier after 30. You're no longer trying to fit in or trying to be with a person/s for reasons other than pure friendship. You're most likely settled a bit in your life at this stage. Thus not competing for things. Probably planted roots in the area you're residing for various reasons. I think these things make it easier later in life.

[emodendroket]

Yeah, but you also have a job you can't just blow off like you can your college classes and maybe a family or other obligations, and then on top of that you aren't constantly being more or less forced to socialize the way you are in school. When you combine that with the waning of institutions (really everything from religious groups to voluntary associations to bowling leagues) you have a recipe for lonely people.