Retirement is a time of endless possibilities. You have the time to explore new places, enjoy new experiences, and, crucially, make new friends. However, this may take some thought and effort.
A study suggests that most people make friends until they’re 25. The number of friends they have after 55 steadily decreases.
However, it does not have to be that way. Making friends in retirement is not only possible. It’s fulfilling and can be one of the highlights of your golden years.
Let’s learn more about how to make senior friends and get the best of our friendship in retirement.
Why Senior Friends Matter
Before we explore strategies for making friends in retirement, let’s consider why it matters. There are two main reasons: the dangers of isolation and the benefits of social interaction.
Dangers of Isolation for Seniors
Senior friends do more than just make life enjoyable – they can help us live longer. Social isolation often results in loneliness and can make us more likely to develop physical and mental illnesses.
Dr. Cole, quoted by the National Institute on Aging, stated that “loneliness is like a fertilizer for other diseases.” It can lead to:
- Inflammation leading to Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer growth and spread
- The buildup of plaque in arteries
Isolation can also make it harder for us to fight off viruses. The bottom line is that making friends in retirement may help us live longer.
Benefits of Senior Friends
People who maintain or increase their circle of friends during retirement can expect to enjoy a better quality of life. Sadly, more than two million Americans aged 65 and over suffer from some type of depression. While this is common, it is not normal or inevitable.
Friends can form part of the treatment for depression in seniors. For one thing, your friends can encourage you to join in with enjoyable activities. They can get you out of the house and into the wider community again.
Senior friends can also help you to seek treatment if you are struggling with mental health challenges. They are there for you to confide in and to encourage you through life’s dark moments. If you’re struggling with grief, pain, or other challenges, they can be a shoulder to cry on.
When we have a good group of friends, active senior living will be easier for us. It’s much easier and more enjoyable to go for a walk, bike ride, or exercise class with friends rather than on our own. This can help you stay physically well and maintain your independence.
Making Friends in Retirement
We understand that it may be daunting to make new friends in retirement. However, you will soon find there are lots of people like you out there who are looking for new friends, too. Here are a few ways to reach out to more people and expand your circle of friends.
Attend Social Events
As we get older, we may find it hard to find the motivation to go to social events. Especially if we are grieving the loss of a spouse, we may find it hard to get out and see people. However, if we make the effort, we may be rewarded with new and rewarding senior friends.
Why not dip your toe into the local community by mingling with people at a farmers’ market? Alternatively, seasonal fairs and festivals may be a great way to make new connections. Some towns also organize events designed to bring the community together.
Clubs and Classes
There are likely many retirement social clubs in your community that hold events for seniors. These may include walks, crafts, educational classes, lectures, and more. These events allow you to connect with other retirees with similar interests.
There is no need to restrict yourself to your own age. Look around for classes or events that interest you and sign up. Maybe consider taking a painting or cookery class or enrolling in a local theater group.
Classes and clubs are great opportunities to connect with people of different ages and walks of life. You can form lasting friendships with others who live locally and have similar interests.
Volunteering
If your circumstances allow, volunteering may be a great way to get out and meet new people. At the same time, you’ll get the satisfaction of being able to give back to your community.
Many organizations that perform charitable work rely on the goodwill and time of volunteers. You’ll meet like-minded people from all ages and backgrounds who care about the community. Some options include:
- Animal shelters
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Non-profits
Work together toward common goals and build friendships that will enrich your senior years!
Assisted Living Events
If you live in a retirement community, you have even more opportunities for finding senior companions. Most senior living communities have an exciting activities calendar that is packed with enjoyable things to do.
At these events, you can connect with other seniors. Playing a board game, taking a dance class, or working out together is a great way to break the ice. Popular activities in assisted living communities include:
- Outings to local beauty spots or shopping malls
- Art therapy
- Cooking classes
- Music appreciation sessions
- Book clubs
- Exercise classes
When you first move to an assisted living community, there are bound to be a few nerves. But don’t worry – this is not like your first day at school. The staff and residents will give you a warm welcome.
As you enjoy senior community activities together, you’ll get time to talk and strengthen your friendships. Residents look out for one another and form a close-knit community. You get the benefit of feeling a sense of belonging from being among friends.
SummerHouse Alexandria – A Community on Your Doorstep
If you would like to make more senior friends but also need a little extra help in life, our senior assisted living community is the perfect choice for you. SummerHouse Alexandria is a warm, inviting home where you can live your best life in your golden years.
Now is the time to discover how enjoyable life at SummerHouse Alexandria could be for you. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a free tour.
