One of the best aspects of retirement is that you have plenty of time to focus on hobbies, relaxing, and, of course, lots of fun! With all that free time, you might feel inspired to seek out new friends. But if you aren’t sure how to make friends in retirement, you’re certainly not alone. Learning how to put yourself out there, connect with new people, and find some loyal buddies can feel a little uncomfortable, especially in your senior years. Fortunately, it’s actually easier than you might think and well worth the effort.
Finding New Friends as a Senior
Numerous studies have shown that friendships are just as important as family ties in predicting psychological well-being in old age. This isn’t so surprising when you consider that friendships allow you to have fun, confide in someone who cares about you, give and receive emotional support, and avoid feelings of loneliness. A deep friendship can give meaning to your life as well.
Before retirement, most people make friends at work and school. After those opportunities are no longer a part of your life, how do you find new people to befriend? Going out of your way to be around people you have things in common with is key, and being brave enough to start the conversation is the first step.
Put Yourself Out There
The first step is broadening your social horizons. How do you do this? Look for opportunities to socialize that fit into your current lifestyle or help you strive toward a personal aspiration because you’ll likely meet people with similar interests and goals. There are numerous ways a senior can grow their social circle enjoyably and naturally:
- Do you care about your community? Consider volunteering regularly with a cause that matters to you.
- Do you have a health goal you’re working towards? Take a fitness class or two.
- Are you excited about trying a new hobby in retirement? If you’re a resident of a senior living community, explore the activities calendar to see what classes and events are available. Whether you enjoy the hobby or not, you might make a new friend in the process!
- Are there old friends you’d like to reconnect with? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Once you consider the possibilities, you’ll realize there are plenty of opportunities to make friends that might work for you. Don’t overwhelm yourself! Pick a few options you can do consistently, and start there.
Be Patient and Consistent
It would be nice if there were an instant method for making new friends in retirement, but the truth is that it will require some patience and effort on your part. Focus on becoming a friendly and familiar face at the social events you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to start conversations with others. It will take some trial and error, but you will eventually identify the people you want to befriend.
Make the First Move
Nobody likes being rejected when attempting to make a new friend. Unfortunately, that fear of rejection often stops people from trying to make friends. If you want to make new friends, psychological research shows that you will be more successful by being honest about what you’re looking for than playing it cool. Most people appreciate it when someone expresses interest in being their friend. You’re much less likely to be rejected than you think. And if you are, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to be friends with everyone you meet. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move on to the next opportunity!
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If you live alone and are struggling to make new friends, consider how a senior living community could help. The welcoming atmosphere, inviting common areas, like-minded residents, and a calendar full of events and activities make the process of finding new friends much easier than you might think.
Are you hoping to retire in Nebraska? Look no further than Kinship Pointe. We offer independent living and assisted living communities in four locations: Kearney Northridge, McCook, Seward, and Wayne. At Kinship Pointe, our delightful staff works daily to help residents pursue their passions and live life to the fullest. We offer a full calendar of activities and other amenities to help you stay engaged and enjoy your golden years. Schedule a tour or contact us online to learn what makes Kinship Pointe unique.