How to Make Friends in Retirement

Whether you’ve recently moved to a new retirement community or haven’t connected with your neighbors over the past few years, making new friends can be intimidating. Here are five easy tips for how to make friends in retirement.

Why It’s Important to Make Friends During Retirement

Why is it important to make friends during retirement? At a basic level, having friends and being in a community with others is an important part of maintaining good mental health. But there’s even more to it than that.

According to one Harvard study, “Older adults who interacted with people beyond their usual social circle of family and close friends were more likely to have higher levels of physical activity, greater positive moods and fewer negative feelings.” Having friends isn’t just good for your mind; it’s also good for your overall well-being and physical health.

In addition, social connection helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common among seniors. This is because regular social interactions provide companionship and emotional support.

Here are our five tips for how to make friends during retirement.

1. Start Small and Introduce Yourself

Friendships aren’t born overnight – don’t put too much pressure on yourself when introducing yourself to someone new. Something as simple as saying hello or giving a compliment can be the beginning of a budding friendship.

Give a simple compliment (“I like your purse”) or ask a question (“Is that a good book?”) and see where it goes.

2. Find Common Ground

When connecting with someone new, it can help to start from a common interest or value. Whether that’s your church community, a neighbor who shares your love of animals or someone you see knitting in the community center, use common interests as a way to start a conversation.

3. Join a Group

Group settings are a great place to build relationships. Find one in your retirement community or church to meet new people you wouldn’t have connected with otherwise.

Examples include book clubs, woodworking classes, pottery classes, needlework groups, bible studies, choirs, birdwatching groups and walking groups. If you live in a retirement community, check your local newsletter or bulletin board for opportunities to join in on the fun.

4. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community while meeting new people. Try signing up to help with a local church group or other organization such as a soup kitchen. You might make a friend and find a new sense of purpose while you’re at it.

5. Keep an Open Mind

Whatever you do, don’t write someone off just because you think you’re too different to be friends. Everyone brings something to the table, and you might find you enjoy hearing new opinions and perspectives on life.

There’s an old saying that goes, “It takes a long time to grow an old friend.” While that is true, the good news is that it takes no time at all to find a new friend. These simple tips for how to make friends during retirement can help you get that conversation started – and build new, meaningful relationships in your retirement years.

Find Your Village at Advent Christian Village

Advent Christian Village is pleased to provide a community for our members in every sense of the word. From clubs and classes to gatherings and holiday events, everything we do is grounded in providing plenty of social support for healthy aging. Our convenient amenities, including transportation services, a local grocery store and recreation facilities, are the perfect place to make friends in your senior years.

Schedule a tour at our faith-based retirement community today – we’d love to speak with you.

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