Unfortunately, the older a person gets, the better the chances are that many of their friends and loved ones will pass away before them. For many retirement-age individuals, it takes extra effort to venture outside of their safe environment – their home – to meet new people and make friends. But it’s important they do exactly that. Loneliness and depression, particularly in later years, can lead to a plethora of negative health effects and conditions. This applies to both body and mind.
Is it possible to make friends in retirement? Answer: Yes, absolutely! But how? Here, we offer some suggestions as to how older adults can meet people and start new friendships/relationships.
Person-to-Person
Though online meetings have been going on – in abundance – for a couple of years now, more and more people are finally getting out and truly meeting with others face-to-face, in person. There’s nothing like greeting someone up close and personal to get to know them and like them.
Not bold enough to meet yet? People are still meeting online (Zoom or Skype meetings) and communicating through social networking.
Religious Service Attendance
Whether online or in-person, attending religious services of your choice will introduce you to like-minded individuals. Today’s synagogues, mosques, churches, etc., and the religions they represent, can be a connecting force.
Letter Writing
Sure, everything today is emails and texts and instant messages and… You get the point. But something that will never go out of style is letter writing. Sometimes, for many people, writing a letter is an easier way of expressing their thoughts and possibly sharing feelings. Even though it’s not a live conversation, you can feel connected through communication by letter writing.
Traveling
In addition to feeling confident and safe enough to meet people in person, many retirement-age adults are getting back to travel. Cruises, bus trips, train tours, and more are being taken again. Imagine the interesting people you can meet during one of these opportunities.
Take a Class
You are never too old to learn something. Take a pottery class, learn another language, join a dance class, learn how to better use computers and the Internet in a classroom setting. Whatever you can think of, there is a class for it. Check it out! Other individuals who have the same interest will be there.
Support Groups
A sense of purpose can be regained, and feelings of loneliness better understood, when similar individuals get together in support groups. These groups create a space in which they can feel safe, support mental health, and encourage healthy socialization. These groups can either meet in person or online.
Gardening
In addition to possibly taking a gardening class, you might consider – if your community has the room/space – getting a group of individuals together to start a community garden. If you have a small yard, you might be able to start a little garden there. Can’t garden outside? No problem. Find a window where the sun comes in part of the day and set up your own indoor gardening area. You can grow a few vegetables and lots of fresh spices to use in the kitchen.
Have a friend do the same. Exchange pictures of your gardens as they grow and maybe even some produce.
Movies/TV/Book Clubs
While some of these groups are still meeting online, others are getting together in person at someone’s home, in a free public space, etc. Watch a movie together online and then discuss it. The same can be done with books, plays, and movies. Thanks to streaming, you can order the movie you want to watch for little to no charge through many streaming companies (Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, Peacock, Vizio, Vudu, and many more).
A Great Place to Make New Friends – Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center
Get ready to get sociable! There are numerous opportunities for socialization at Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center. For starters, in a fine dining-like setting, you will be able to socialize three times a day – during breakfast, lunch, and dinner – with other residents while enjoying nutritious and delicious meals. But that’s not all. Go on outings to area attractions, play games with others (i.e., cards, checkers, board games, etc.), or attend a special event or celebration (dances, concerts, and other types of parties). Your social calendar will be fuller than ever when you reside at Discovery Village At Alliance Town Center.
Contact us today using our convenient online form if you’d like some information, or give us a call at 817.203.8000. Better yet, schedule a tour, in person.
