As many think, making friends after 50, isn’t a daunting task, if you follow some advices from the renowned psychologists. Life becomes more settled, routines become more ingrained, and the social circles that once were wide can start to shrink, as we age. However, if you know exactly how to make friends after 50 years of age, it will bring some benefits for mental, emotional, and even physical health, so that you can live happily for the rest of your life.
In this article, we explore ten strategies for making friends after 50, along with insights from doctors and psychologists on how to overcome common challenges.
How to Make Friends After 50
Table of Contents
1. Join Hobby or Interest-Based Groups
It Allows Individuals to Form Connections
Join a book club, a knitting group, a cooking class, or a hiking group to make friends. It is one of the easiest ways for making friends. Engaging in these types of activities allows individuals to form connections with others who share similar passions and interests.
“Joining a group based on your hobbies allows you to bond over shared interests, which is an excellent foundation for friendship,” says Dr. Catherine Sanderson, a psychology professor at Amherst College. “People are naturally more open when they have a common passion.”
It Combats Isolation
According to Dr. Sarah Stevenson, a clinical psychologist, participating in group activities also helps reduce the feelings of loneliness that often accompany aging. “As we get older, it’s common for people to find themselves more isolated due to retirement or the natural drifting apart of old social circles. Being part of a group focused on something enjoyable combats that isolation and fosters a sense of belonging,” she explains.
It is an advantage that these groups often meet regularly, offering consistent opportunities to interact and build relationships over time. Additionally, the structure of organized groups provides safety and a sense of commitment and routine, which can be motivating for those who may otherwise struggle with the idea of making the effort to seek out new friendships.
It Encourages Teamwork
Dr. Sanderson emphasizes that interest-based activities often encourage collaboration and teamwork, which are fundamental to forming lasting friendships. “Whether you’re participating in a cooking class or joining a local hiking group, you’re often working alongside others to accomplish a common goal. This shared experience can foster a deeper sense of connection and trust, making it easier for people to open up and form meaningful bonds,” she notes.
2. Take a Class or Workshop
After 50, learning something new not only boost your memory but it can be an excellent way to meet others and expand your social network.
Learn for Personal Growth
Whether it’s enrolling in an art class, a language course, or joining a fitness program, learning provides a chance to engage with others who are also looking to broaden their horizons. Learn something with a desire for personal growth or a way to combat feelings of stagnation after retirement.
“Engaging in educational activities offers both cognitive and emotional benefits, and it can create an environment where connections are naturally formed through shared experiences,” says Dr. Sarah Stevenson.
Learn to Build Confidence
Dr. Stevenson emphasizes that, for older adults, learning not only nurtures curiosity and mental agility, but it also builds confidence. “Many people over 50 find that learning new skills reaffirms their sense of purpose. It provides an opportunity to feel competent, which can boost self-esteem,” she explains.
Learning Brings Harmony
For people over 50, learning opportunities also offer a break from the monotony of daily life, and provides a fun and stimulating way to meet others. “A class environment is inherently social,” says Dr. Catherine Sanderson. “People are already gathered in one space with a shared goal—whether it’s mastering a new skill or participating in a creative endeavor—which provides an easy entry point for conversation and interaction.”
Learning Creates Opportunity for Intergenerational Friendship
Learning can foster intergenerational friendships. “Older adults often find that younger people appreciate their wisdom and life experience, which can lead to valuable friendships,” says Dr. Stevenson.
3. Volunteer for a Cause
Volunteering can be a powerful way to connect with others. At this stage of life, many individuals find themselves seeking deeper meaning and a renewed sense of purpose.
Volunteering Forms Connections
Engaging in volunteer work fulfills the demand of your mind and opens the door to meet others who are similarly committed to giving back to their communities. “The act of giving back helps you form connections with others who have similar philanthropic interests,” explains Dr. Catherine Sanderson. “Volunteering naturally attracts people with shared values, creating an environment where friendships can thrive.”
According to Dr. Sarah Stevenson, “Volunteering provides a sense of belonging and helps combat these feelings (of loneliness) by putting people in social environments with shared goals.” Whether it’s helping out at a local food bank, tutoring children, or organizing charity events, the act of volunteering brings people together with a common mission, making it easier to build meaningful connections.
Volunteering Expands Social Networks
Volunteering allows individuals to expand their social networks. “When you volunteer, you’re typically working side by side with others, and that teamwork creates strong bonds,” Dr. Sanderson explains.
Volunteering Enhance Mental Health
Helping others can improve mental health, reduce stress, and even increase lifespan. “There is a growing body of research that suggests that giving back has direct health benefits, especially in later life,” Dr. Stevenson says. “The sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing you’re making a positive difference in the lives of others has been linked to improved emotional well-being, which is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life as we age.”
4. Attend Local Meetups or Events
Sites like Meetup.com offer a wealth of local gatherings that focus on a variety of interests, from fitness to photography to board games. These events can be a great way to meet new people in your area.
It’s an Opportunity to Engage with Others
Meetup provides an accessible platform that allows individuals to join groups based on their hobbies, passions, or even specific life stages. “Social meetups are low-pressure environments that encourage people to meet others organically, making it easier to form friendships,” says Dr. Stevenson.
It Helps Rediscover Your Interest
Joining a Meetup group offers opportunities to reconnect with hobbies or interests that may have been set aside in earlier years. Dr. Sanderson says, “After retirement or during periods of life transition, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the world around you. Meetup groups help people rediscover old passions or cultivate new ones while building relationships along the way.”
5. Use Social Media and Online Platforms
Social media opens a new door for older adults to connect, offering numerous opportunities to meet new people and maintain relationships.
Join Groups of Your Interests
Facebook: It offers tailored groups to specific interests, hobbies, or age groups. You can join any that caters gardening, local travel, or pet care, these online communities allow people over 50 to find and interact with like-minded individuals without geographical constraints.
LinkedIn: You can join LinkedIn to meet retired professionals in your locality.
Nextdoor: It allow neighbors to connect, share local updates, and even arrange social meetups.
Dr. Sarah Stevenson says, “For many people over 50, online platforms offer a less intimidating way to engage with others and rekindle old friendships or form new ones. It’s a great way to find communities that align with personal interests, whether through niche hobby groups or by connecting with others in the same stage of life.”
Share Your Life Experience in Social Media
Social media can be an avenue for continued learning and sharing life experiences and knowledge for older people. Many online communities cater specifically to people over 50, providing spaces for individuals to share their stories, seek advice, and participate in discussions that resonate with their lives.
“Being able to connect with others who share similar experiences, particularly as we age, can reduce feelings of isolation and promote mental well-being,” notes Dr. Stevenson.
Moreover, for those who may have mobility issues or live in rural areas, it can provide an essential means of staying engaged and involved without leaving home.
6. Friendship in Your Workplace or Professional Environment
For those still working, colleagues can provide an excellent source of potential friends. As a 50+ years old, lunch breaks, after-work gatherings, or simply chatting during work hours can lead to stronger bonds over time.
Work Environment is a Great Place
Your work environment offers the perfect setting for forming new relationships. The workplace naturally fosters social interactions through collaborating on projects, sharing common challenges, or discussing personal interests during casual conversations.
“Work environments offer built-in social opportunities that don’t require much effort beyond engaging with others,” explains Dr. Sarah Stevenson.
Dr. Sanderson says, “Whether it’s the camaraderie of lunch breaks, a shared hobby like after-hours fitness classes, or simply engaging in conversation during brief encounters, the workplace can become a great platform for forming friendships,” she says.
Professional Environment Help to Build Trust
Shared goals and experiences in workplace can create a strong foundation for deeper, more meaningful connections. Dr. Stevenson points out that “These shared experiences can lead to a level of trust and understanding that may not come as quickly in more formal or social settings.” For many older adults, the transition from professional to personal conversations with colleagues may feel natural and rewarding.
7. Attend Religious or Spiritual Services
Faith-based communities are often tight-knit, offering ample opportunities to meet people and form strong, lasting connections. Whether you attend a church, synagogue, mosque, or other places of worship, these spaces frequently host social events, study groups, charity work, and volunteer opportunities that are perfect for making new friends.
Spiritual Services Offer a Sense of Belongings
For people over 50, being part of a faith community provides spiritual support and a vibrant social network. These gatherings create an ideal environment for meaningful friendships.
“Being part of a religious group offers a sense of community and belonging that can foster deep, long-lasting friendships,” explains Dr. Sarah Sanderson. “The bonds formed in such environments often go beyond superficial interactions, creating a foundation of trust, shared beliefs, and mutual support.”
Dr. Sanderson notes, “For many older adults, religion and spirituality become more central to their lives as they seek to find purpose and community. Faith-based groups can serve as both a source of comfort and a social outlet, providing a dual benefit for those seeking new friendships.”
Religious Communities Offer Sense of Continuity
Faith communities offer a unique sense of continuity. This continuity helps prevent the social isolation that many older adults experience, particularly those who may no longer have a regular work schedule or family members nearby.
8. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Be emotionally ready for making new friends. Many people find that life’s challenges, such as divorce, the loss of a partner, or personal health issues, can impact their willingness to engage with others.
Emotional Readiness is Key to Being Open
Personal hazards make the prospect of forming new friendships feel daunting. “Mental health plays a crucial role in social interactions. If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, it can be harder to connect with others,” explains Dr. Sarah Stevenson.
Dr. Stevenson emphasizes that addressing mental health challenges before seeking out new friendships is essential. “It’s not uncommon for people over 50 to feel uncertain about their social interactions due to past experiences of loss, grief, or isolation. However, working through these emotions with a counselor or therapist can help clear emotional blockages, making it easier to connect with others,” she notes.
Face The Fear of Rejection
Dr. Stevenson emphasizes that some older adults may be hesitant to form new friendships due to fear of rejection or past social experiences. “The older we get, the more aware we become of how time and energy are spent, and that can make us hesitant to invest in new relationships. However, it’s important to recognize that many friendships formed in later life are based on quality over quantity,” she says.
Learning to manage emotions enables individuals to build friendships that are sustainable and fulfilling, rather than fleeting or superficial.
9. Be Open to Intergenerational Friendships
Older adults often limit themselves by only seeking friendships within their own age group. However, forming intergenerational friendships—whether with younger people or older individuals—can lead to enriching, diverse relationships that broaden one’s social circle and life experience.
Gain Insight into Different Life Stages
Intergenerational friendships are valuable. They allow for a two-way exchange of wisdom and energy. Dr. Sarah Sanderson says, “Intergenerational friendships bring fresh perspectives and opportunities to learn.”
By stepping outside of their usual social circles, older adults can gain insight into different life stages, values, and interests that can be eye-opening and deeply fulfilling. You can learn contemporary ideas, technology, and trends from younger generations, which can help you feel more connected to the world.
Dr. Sanderson explains, “Younger generations often bring new perspectives and creative energy into the lives of older adults. Whether through casual conversations, collaborative projects, or shared activities, these connections help break down generational stereotypes and can make life feel more vibrant and dynamic.”
It Enhances Social Skills
These friendships can enhance the social skills and adaptability of older adults. Dr. Stevenson points out, “Engaging with people from different age groups often requires a level of flexibility and understanding that can deepen one’s emotional intelligence.”
Older adults who form intergenerational bonds are likely to experience personal growth through exposure to differing worldviews, communication styles, and ways of thinking.
Intergenerational friendships also create a sense of shared purpose, especially when they involve common activities like volunteering, mentoring, or working together on projects.
10. Be Patient and Persistent
Making lasting friendships takes time. You shouldn’t be hurry in your effort. It can be frustrating to feel that your efforts aren’t paying off, but the key is persistence.
Friendship is a Gradual Process
You may find yourself discouraged after several attempts at building new friendship. The natural rhythm of life changes, and forming friendships in later years often requires more patience than in younger years. “Don’t expect to form connections immediately,” says Dr. Sarah Stevenson. “Friendship is a gradual process, and it may take a few tries to find people who truly click with you.”
Building Friendship Requires Effort
Friendships in later life may require more active effort to make and maintain. Dr. Stevenson points out that the deeper the connection, the more effort it typically requires to nurture. “The challenge of making friends as an adult is that many people are not as available as they once were—whether due to busy schedules, family commitments, or health issues. But this doesn’t mean that lasting friendships are out of reach. The key is persistence and showing up, even when you don’t immediately feel the rewards.”
Regular, small efforts, like reaching out for a quick chat, sending a text to check in, or suggesting an occasional meetup, are important in building and sustaining a friendship.
Challenges in Making Friends After 50
Dr. Sanderson identifies several barriers that older adults often face while making friends:
Social Anxiety: Social anxiety becomes more pronounced with our age. “The fear of rejection or making a fool of oneself can prevent many people from putting themselves out there,” says Dr. Stevenson. A gradual approach, starting with less intimidating social situations, can help.
Lack of Time: Many people in their 50s have established long-practiced routines that can make it harder to fit in socializing. “If your schedule is packed, it may seem like you don’t have time to make friends. But prioritizing social connections as you would any other important activity is key,” advises Dr. Sanderson.
Health and Mobility Issues: Physical health problems can also make it harder to get out and meet new people. For those who face mobility challenges, participating in online groups or volunteering from home might be more manageable options.
Making new friendships after 50 is entirely possible and beneficial for your health and happiness. By engaging in activities that foster shared experiences, maintaining an open mind about different types of social connections, and being patient, older adults can expand their social circles and enjoy the profound rewards that come with meaningful relationships.
References:
- Sanderson, C. (2023). Social Connections and Well-Being in Older Adults. American Psychological Association.
- Stevenson, S. (2023). The Mental Health Benefits of Social Interaction in Older Adults. Psychology Today.
- American Psychological Association (2022). Loneliness and Social Isolation in Older Adults: The Impact on Health.