How to Make Friends as a Senior

Life is much more enjoyable when it’s full of meaningful friendships. They’re an important part of a healthy lifestyle! For many seniors, strong bonds with their community are the key to feeling like part of something larger. So how can seniors make new friends?

Some easy ways to make friends as a senior include:

• Join local clubs and groups 
• Participate in community events 
• Volunteer for causes you care about 
• Take up a new hobby or class 
• Use online platforms for seniors 
• Make the move to senior living

Join Local Clubs & Groups

Finding people with shared interests is one of the easiest ways to form friendships. Try encouraging your loved one to check out nearby events and gatherings to find like-minded folks. There are plenty of different options in almost every community, like:

• Book clubs
• Art and craft groups
• Walking clubs
• Fitness classes

There are always options, no matter a person’s interests. If your loved one lives in a senior living community, try asking the community what events are available. Joining these groups takes much of the focus away from the conversation and offers an easy icebreaker. This makes it much easier to build a bond with others.

Participate in Community Events

Community events are lively times. They’re full of opportunities to connect with others. Spend some time researching in your area—there are likely weekly events or monthly get-togethers to make socializing much easier.

Try watching out for:

• Farmer’s markets 
• Local fairs & festivals 
• Church or religious gatherings 
• Fitness meetups in the park 

These events encourage people to step outside their regular routine. They offer an easy chance to interact with people living nearby. This makes them a great chance for your loved one to make new friends in their immediate community.

Volunteer For Causes You Care About 

Volunteering fosters a sense of purpose for older adults. But it also paves the way for meaningful connections—it’s a great opportunity to meet kind and generous souls working to better the world around them.

Spending time volunteering means your loved one can give back to their community. Meanwhile, they can make strong friendships with the people nearby. It helps to find a cause your loved one can support, like an animal shelter or nearby school, and encourage them to join in.

The volunteer world is full of people trying to make a difference. Volunteering with these people makes it easy to make strong relationships!

Take Up a New Hobby or Class 

Exploring a new hobby is an exciting way to stay active. It’s also an amazing way to meet new people—especially if your loved one can join a lobby group in their area!

It’s never too late to learn a new skill. Your loved one can try anything that interests them. For seniors, some common hobbies include:

• Gardening 
• Painting or drawing 
• Playing cards or board games 
• Knitting or crocheting 
• Birdwatching 
• Walking or light exercise

Meanwhile, some community centers offer classes designed with seniors in mind. You can even look at nearby colleges and see if there are any programs designed for older citizens.

These settings are an excellent chance to learn something new and make friends with people trying to learn more. It’s a perfect place to develop friendships while learning something new.

Use Online Platforms For Seniors 

Technology has opened doors to social opportunities like never before. With just a phone, tablet, or computer, your loved one can connect to others all over the world. And the best part? They don’t even need to leave their home if they choose.

Online platforms offer an amazing opportunity for seniors. There are all kinds of opportunities for your loved one to make new friends through the virtual world. They can try:

• Joining social media groups tailored to their interests 
• Participating in online classes or workshops 
• Engaging in virtual book clubs or discussion forums 
• Video chatting with family and friends regularly 
• Playing multiplayer video games in their field of interest

There’s no need for them to feel overwhelmed with modern technology. You can always get a senior-friendly tablet with simple features. These go a long way in boosting your loved one’s confidence and opening up a new world of exploration. 

Make the Move to Senior Living 

Sometimes, the most effective choice is an easy one—making the move to a community full of people at a similar stage in life. The move to senior living can make all the difference in the world. 

In communities like ours at Mira Vie Senior Living, your loved one can spend every day surrounded by people who care. Contact our team today to learn more, or schedule a tour to see for yourself! Your loved one’s future home awaits.