Tips on how to make friends and find community later in life

Finding community at any stage of life is important. Especially as you grow older, you may find yourself wanting to add to and expand your community and meet new people. There are a number of new ways to meet new people and broaden your community, and we have put together some tips for how to begin to seek out these new relationships and begin new friendships.

Plan a Trip

If you love to travel, planning a trip and inviting others to join can be a good way to get to know people better. Day trips can be a low-commitment way to kick off a friendship, but if you want to plan something longer, you can also check out online travel networking groups to find people that also want to travel and meet new people.

Stitch is one online network that offers lots of ways to meet with brand-new people, from grabbing dinner to going on a weeklong vacation. 

Clubs and Social Activities

Joining groups with those who share similar interests can ensure you always have something to talk about. Popular options include joining book clubs or hiking clubs, or organizing groups to try out new restaurants or other activities in the community. You can find already-established groups in the community by using the Facebook groups feature, asking around, or searching through a local senior or community center.

If you find that a group does not already exist for your particular interest, you can also start your own and attract others who share your passions.

Volunteering

Finding a cause you are passionate about, and then volunteering in some way related to that passion, is a great way to find fulfillment and give back to the community. It is also a great way to meet people who share similar passions for causes.

When you volunteer, you are surrounded by people who are likewise empathetic and understanding about a cause, and these shared values are a great springboard for meaningful friendships.

Most organizations or causes have ways to get involved easily, and a place to start with seeking these opportunities is to check out their websites or ask someone involved with the organization what kind of help they are looking for from volunteers. 

Senior Centers

The NCOA estimates that 75% of those who visit their local senior center do so at least once a week. Senior centers offer activities like senior-friendly exercise classes and different craft workshops, with most of these being low cost and easy to access. This common gathering place can provide you with so many resources, and is filled with those also seeking out connection and community.

A simple Google search can show you all the senior centers in your area, and you can check out the different resources they offer and find one that offers activities and groups that interest you.

Neighbors

This may sound simple, but proximity can be a factor in creating deep and meaningful connections. If you have a dog and your neighbor does too, you can invite them along to walk your dogs together. If you have not yet gotten to know your neighbors, something as simple as spending time outside or in gathering spaces within your neighborhood can introduce you to people you might not have run across previously.

Helping put together a block party or community picnic to gather people together is another convenient way to break the ice and get to know new people you’ll be able to see and run into often.

As Covid restrictions lift, spending time with others who share similar experiences or common interests can be a great way to find connections with others and build a supportive community. Follow some of the tips above, and feel free to share some of your own successful experiences in the comments.

— Missy Roney