The social life of older adults often declines with age for a variety of reasons:
It’s a gradual process that we might not even notice, but suddenly, we become aware that we’re just not enjoying life as much, and we’re spending too much time alone. It’s harder to make friends after retirement but it’s not impossible.
Quality relationships and having fun with friends can make us happier and reduce stress. A good friend to talk to helps us cope with traumatic events. People with good support networks are physically healthier too, having lower blood pressure and less incidents of depression.
All well and good! But we all know it’s harder to make friends in later life. Once the kids are gone and we no longer have the camaraderie of the work place, perhaps no longer have a spouse, the occasions to meet people and make friends decrease.
That doesn’t have to be the case. We might have to work a little harder at it but there are many ways to meet people and make friends.
Without further ado, here’s a list of some of the ways that have worked for me and others in the same position:
Mention that you’d like to meet people and make some friends, and you’ll always get these standard suggestions:
All worthwhile! Go for it! But later on, let me suggest some others you might not have thought of. They make good supplements.
In addition to all the standard, frequently suggested methods, here are some you might not have thought of:
To some this comes naturally. Others have to work at it. Proceed with baby steps. Just get into the habit of starting conversation with people you cross paths with: the man behind the deli counter, a person in the elevator, the plumber fixing your faucet, the pizza delivery man.
Nothing deep and personal that will have them thinking you’re strange! Just try “Good morning,” “This elevator is so slow,” “How long have you been a plumber?”, “How are the roads?”
I remember going into a ladies’ room once and a woman asked me how my day was going. On another occasion, while standing at a seafood counter in the market, a man said, “I just got a book published today! I’m going to celebrate with a lobster dinner.”
Will you meet your new best friend by saying “Good morning” in an elevator? Probably not. But you just never know where a little conversation will go.
I once met a woman, who became a really good friend, in the ladies’ room at a singles’ group event! We were both checking our hair in the mirror, and she said, “Isn’t this awful?” I agreed, we started talking, continued our commiseration over coffee and exchanged phone numbers!
A common suggestion is to volunteer for a politician or party. But why not bite the bullet and run for office yourself! Stop complaining about the way the schools/town/state/country is being run and become a change-agent. You will not only do some good for your fellow citizens but you will meet a ton of like-minded people.
Take something you love doing and start a group with people who share your passion. You can do this on Meetup or post details in your neighborhood group. Maybe there are many quilting groups in your area but what you really want to do is make quilts for flood and disaster victims.
Well, go ahead and start a group that meets and stitches. You produce something worthwhile and enjoy camaraderie at the same time. One of my neighbors started a Saturday morning touch football group and loves it. The guys and gals have become good buddies.
Never fails! Who can resist a cute little puppy? Walking the dog not only gets you out of the house where you can practice your talking to others, but your pet will approach people, annoy some and enchant others.
You’ll be stopped continually with “How cute! What kind is she?” and lots of fussing and petting. And if pooch doesn’t want to move on, the conversation gets prolonged. And think of the health benefit derived from the exercise!
When you’re taking a class or attending a meeting or event, get there early. If you’re one of the first to arrive and there’s time to kill, often the other early arrivals will start a conversation. Most often the topic is about the course or meeting, so it’s easy conversation.
Usually, once the class or meeting starts, there’s no time for mingling. Everyone sits in attentive silence. So, you’re learning but not socializing. The time before and after the event is the time to meet people.
If you’re at an event or seminar of some sort where everyone is wearing a name tag, approach someone and read theirs aloud, with a comment like, “I don’t have my glasses. Is that Margaret? I’m Judith.” There, you’ve been introduced, and it wasn’t quite as uncomfortable as just walking up to a stranger and starting fresh.
People love to talk about themselves and are flattered that you’re interested in them. By all means, share, but also ask some questions that show you’re interested in them without being intrusive or venturing into touchy areas.
Avoid “So, who did you vote for in the last election?” But it’s fine to ask, “Are you interested in politics?” Remember the man at the seafood counter who wrote the book? Certainly, that opener is just begging for you to ask “What is your book about? Is this your first?” Or at the buffet table at a party, “Everything looks so good. What are your favorites? Do you like to cook?”
It’s kind of like greasing the axle. Once you start practicing these little things, they become second nature. You just become more outgoing and comfortable as you join. Don’t expect overnight success. In time, you’ll have some good, quality relationships that will enrich your life.
Do you have experience with any of the suggestions above? I’m sure you have some things that have worked for you as well. What are some things you’ve done to help you meet people and make friends?
Tags Friendships
Having a dog that you take for walks is a great way to meet people. But I have to make a plug for senior dogs who sit in the shelters for a very long time, waiting for some kind soul to adopt them. People typically want puppies which is rather selfish because it is easy to find homes for puppies. If you can’t find the right pooch for you at a shelter, or you prefer a specific
breed, there is surely a rescue group for that breed. Some benefits to adopting an older dog is that they probably remember having been house trained, they don’t expect you to run a marathon with them, and they won’t chew up your shoes. For many older people a mellow, even low energy older dog is a better choice than a puppy who will probably be pretty hyper.
I began playing Pickleball after I retired. We play regularly which is great for my health and I’ve gained a group of good friends. We’ve begun to socialize outside our Pickleball mornings! A sport you are passionate about is a great way to make friends!
One way I quickly met people was going through the Master Naturalist and Master Gardener programs through the local Extension office. I did this in two states. I met a lot of people that way. Also, libraries have a lot of short term classes. Checking the library schedule is a good thing to do. I totally agree with you on your list! I had moved from one state to another not knowing a single soul. Now, I’ve made a lot of acquaintances and have learned the art of chit chat. Not threatening with “open ended” questions to get others to talk about themselves & their interests.
As an older mom after our son graduated high school I found that without the volunteering and common ground of our kids, other moms drifted away. I have my husband but as our done has set out on his own journey it has become lonely. I’ve worked from home since 2008 so there are no opportunities to socialize. I did start a Facebook group in my community for women which stemmed out of a need after Covid to get out again. Most though are younger and although I enjoy the social aspects I haven’t made a close friend. I think most see me as older and unfortunately a lot people judge by age. I never have, and used to have several girlfriends to spend time with. Most now live in other states. A good article with some good tips.
Recently, looked on a travel site for good local weekend trips for singles. Went to a popular wine country region, out of season (read:less expensive rates), and stayed at an inn with its own pub, sounded good for ease and safety. Met so many locals there due to it being ‘off season’. The population of that region is mostly in my age range, 50s,60s,70s. Got many recommendations to visit in the region and even a sailing invitation!