How To Make Friends Later In Life

As we age, our circle of friends may gradually grow smaller, which can be a normal part of life. Some of our friends move abroad or to another city, while others simply don’t have the time to remain connected for various reasons. 

However, humans are social beings who need interactions with others to live a healthy and fulfilled life. Although interactions with family members and relatives allow for socialization, oftentimes, they cannot be a full substitute for friendship, as there may be some things that are harder to share with family, especially personal or intimate information. In addition, family members may not always share similar interests, which makes friendships with like-minded individuals even more important. Some studies have even conceptualized friendship as a proverbial “vaccine” for overall health. 

If you are someone — or know someone — who is struggling to make friends as an adult, this article will reveal 5 incredible ways to make new friends later in life. Let’s get started. 

Top 5 Ways To Make New Friends As You Age 

Here are the top 5 ways to make new friends as you age:

Join a Community Center 

A community center is the best place for seniors to connect with new people. These centers offer various programs, activities, creative arts, or skill learning that allow seniors to socially engage with people, learn new things, and remain physically and mentally fit. Importantly, actively engaging in hobbies or things you are interested in will significantly increase the chance of connecting with someone who has similar interests, and it is almost always easier to make friends with someone who shares your interests.

For instance, you can join your local community center and try taking up a yoga class there. This won’t just make you feel physically good, but when you regularly interact with people every day, it provides opportunities to make good friends. 

Participate in Non-Profit Volunteer Work 

Volunteering is a great way to keep your mind active and also provide opportunities to socialize with colleagues. You can try calling your local non-profit organizations and ask for information. Then, make a list of the organizations that interest you, and determine which one resonates the most with you. 

Non-profit organizations also arrange social events and group volunteer activities that facilitate easy interactions. For example, if you’re an animal lover, you can volunteer at an animal rescue shelter. There, you’ll get a chance to meet new people who also care about and love animals.

Initiate Conversations  

This tip works for every age group. And no, you don’t have to be an extrovert. Instead of trying to talk to everyone and match their vibes, focus on having a meaningful conversation with just one person. 

You can start by asking questions, such as: 

• What drink did you order? 
• How do you like that book? 
• Where did you get your shirt? 

These are nice ice-breakers for having to start a conversation and get to know someone. You can also try complimenting others. Though it’ll take a few moments to get in the flow, you’ll get comfortable before you know it. 

If engaging in conversation with strangers is challenging for you, it often helps if you bring along a friend or family member. They can help you initiate conversations with new people or help you meet new people in the comfort of their presence. 

Join an Interest Group 

Did you ever have an interest or hobby that had to take a backseat because of life circumstances? Now is a good time to reengage in those interests. Joining an interest group is a great way to interact with like-minded people. 

For instance, you can join a book club for easier yet meaningful interactions. And since these groups hold recurring meetups, you don’t have to ask for a follow-up in order to socialize. 

Besides this, other interest-based communities can include a sports club, a pet parenting club, and a cooking class, just to name a few. You might need to do some research at first, but you should eventually be able to find a group that is a good fit. 

Enroll in Lifelong Learning Courses 

Most of the time, you get a chance to socialize when you engage in academic activities. Therefore, it’s a great idea to join an academic course later in life. You can also take up some activity-based learning courses. 

This way, you won’t just meet new people and make friends with them, but you will also get an opportunity to learn something new. And who knows, taking a course can end up being an important turning point in your life.

How To Make Friends Later In Life: Takeaway

Remember that other people are also looking for genuine connections. Just be yourself and be open to having new interactions. The key is to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Put yourself out there and expand your social circle. Just remember to stay safe — it is often better to attend groups or courses that are set up by professional centers, companies, or people you know. Meeting in public areas like coffee shops, restaurants, and parks is also often better than meeting someone for the first time in their home or inviting them to your home.  

Also, it’s important to be your own friend first. Try to learn about yourself and find out what kind of people you want to have in your life.