Forming meaningful connections with others can get harder as you age. But that doesn’t mean you should not make friends in retirement. Remember, no man is an island. You need a friend or two to make life happier, brighter and more colorful. While it might take effort to get to know new people, it’s going to be beneficial for your overall health.
People seem to shy away from making friends as they get older. So, if you need a little help, here are some tips for making friends that you can try.
Pick Up New Hobbies
Hobbies tend to be forgotten when life gets busy. Now that you have more time on your hands, find something interesting to do. It can be an old hobby that you used to enjoy. It can also be a completely new activity. If you like photography, join a photography club, group or community. That’s the best way to form connections with like-minded individuals. Doing things that you love with people you just know is a great start to fostering friendship.
Volunteer for a Cause
If you are looking to engage in purposeful activity, you can sign up for volunteering opportunities in your locality. Volunteering allows you to encounter various people who have similar values and interests as you, thereby expanding your social circle.
Helping others as a volunteer is also beneficial in many ways. Volunteering helps create a social impact, makes you feel good about yourself and gives you a positive outlook on life.
Go Back to School
Schools are still the best places to get acquainted with people who share the same interests. If there’s a particular field you have been wanting to study, this might be the best time to take up a course. Now, studying after 60 may sound like an impossible feat, but it’s actually a great learning opportunity that will bring new meaning to your life. In school, you will meet a lot of people from different backgrounds, some of whom you may eventually call friends.
Take Part in Community Events
If you are living in a retirement community, then there are likely senior living community events that you can participate in. However, most neighborhoods also organize festivals, bingo nights, ballroom dancing or other types of parties and gatherings to provide socialization opportunities. Be sure to check your neighborhood’s bulletin board for announcements or ask around so you can do some preparations and join in these activities. Take advantage of these events to have fun, chat with your neighbors, and meet new people.
Learn to Use Social Media
One of the benefits of social media is that you can stay connected with your family despite the distance. Through the use of social media, you can also reconnect and interact with friends you haven’t seen in a long time. There will always be people who are one chat away to talk to whenever you feel lonely.
Mentor the Young
Your decades of experience in life and work can be valuable for younger people who are going through challenging transitions and navigating adulthood. Mentoring is more than just sharing perspectives and knowledge but also about providing emotional support. Guiding the youth and helping them set goals can add a sense of purpose to your life. Besides, having friends from the younger generation can broaden your perspective and further your knowledge in different subjects, such as technology.
