15 Fun Ways to Make New Friends in Your 50s
Whether you’ve moved to a new city or country, started a new job, or completely overhauled your life, it’s suffice to say that when you have to make friends in your 50’s, it can be a little challenging and somewhat scary and intimidating. Putting yourself out there to make new friends is nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be.
I get that some women have no problem at all making new friends but for the rest of us, well this one’s for you! Here are 15 fun ways to make new friends, no matter what age you are.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Start going to social events or things on your own and meeting new people that way. Yes, it will be hard, especially if you are somewhat shy but you have to get out of your comfort zone and be a little brave sometimes.
People often tend to be accepting and welcoming as we get older.
Strike Up a Conversation
Like literally a random conversation with someone at the grocery store, a cafe, a pharmacy, or wherever you are and introduce yourself. Yes, it may seem weird, but remember, if you are new to a town and have no friends, people don’t know that unless you tell them.
Striking up a conversation is a lot easier than you think it is and you may find that you have a lot of similar interests!
Join Facebook Groups
If you’re on Facebook, go find groups in your area that have like-minded members start asking some questions, and let people know what you are looking for. I’ve met most of my friends here from the local group!
Your next best friend could be in one of those groups! So many people think social media is bad, but it definitely does have its benefits.
Volunteer
By far, this is the best way to meet like-minded people because you are going to a place to volunteer with other people who think just like you. Isn’t that awesome!!
Find an organization that speaks to your heart and you will definitely meet like-minded people there!
Join a Church Group
(if that’s your thing) and again, let people know you’re new. Or maybe a Bible study group or whatever thing like that you are interested in.
Maybe you’re into new-age stuff. Go back to those Facebook groups or check online in your area and see what comes up.
Pick Up a Fun Part-time Job
Are you a crafty, artsy-fartsy kinda gal? See if you can pick up a part-time job at a craft store or maybe even a coffee shop. You can certainly meet new people that way.
A lot of older adults who have long since retired work part-time to maintain social connections and meet new folks!
Find a Meetup Group
If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. This works for everything. Don’t be so shy that you can’t ask at a cafe while you’re enjoying a cup of coffee or while you’re standing in line at a store somewhere to see if there is a meetup group in your area for women your age.
If there isn’t, maybe you should start one!
Check Out Your Neighbours
(but not in a creepy way) and see if any are your age. Introduce yourself to them or make sure to say hi to them on the street. Striking up a conversation will go a long way.
Go for walks in your area park and talk to the people there.
Find a Walking Group
If physical fitness (or getting out into nature) is your thing, why not find a walking group in your area? I’m sure there are at least one or two and if there isn’t, why not start one?
Nothing brings people together better than being part of a group with like-minded people!
Join the Gym
There are so many gyms these days that have a higher population of older adults, which makes it a great place to meet interesting people and form new friendships.
Check out the yoga studio if that’s your thing, or jump in on a workout class! If it’s your first time at a gym, find a staff member to help you around. Your local YMCA is very ‘mature adult’ friendly!
Sign Up For Art Classes
Pull out the inner Van Gogh in you (I know you want to), especially if you have put art aside for a long time and sign up for some art classes.
How fun would that be? Gosh. Artists have beautiful minds and great talent. I bet you can form some strong friendships in art class!
Find a Book Club
Are you into books of all kinds, love to read, and would love to find a social group that has a book club? This actually won’t be that hard to do.
You can either head back online or simply ask at the local cafe, grocery store, or wherever. Surely someone knows something!
Look for Community Gardens
Do you love gardening and maybe you’ve recently downsized into an apartment and don’t have a yard anymore? Community gardens are perfect for this.
Ask around or call around to find your community garden. This is a great opportunity for you to continue spending time doing what you love while you’re meeting people who love the same thing you do!
Pay a Visit to Your Library
If you love sitting quietly and reading/finding new books, then your local library is a great place not only to do that but also is probably one of the easiest ways to meet like-minded people.
I mean, you’re all there to read, right?
Be Yourself
Don’t try to be someone you’re not to impress people so they will be your friend. Just be yourself, and you will find the right people who will appreciate you for you.
You don’t want or need fake friends. You want true kindred spirit soul friends. Especially at this age. We don’t have time for crap anymore!
Conclusion
You do have to be proactive and put some work into it but if you follow some of the tips I listed above you’ll be sitting at a cafe with your new friends in no time.
Remember, don’t settle for crappy coffee or crappy friends. We’re past that now. You will definitely find like-minded women over 50 if you put yourself out there and seek them.
I know full well that putting yourself out there can indeed be scary but if you don’t, you’re missing out on great and meaningful friendships! Being lonely sucks, and no one has to be alone. If you are, it’s because you are choosing to be alone.
Choose connections over loneliness.
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