Where Can I Make New Friends in Retirement?

During our years in the workforce, most of us looked forward to retirement as a time of relaxation and the opportunity to have more choices in how we spent our time. However, many of us are surprised at the disruption retirement can cause to our network of friends.

Consider the workplace. Here we had a community of colleagues with whom we interacted daily. True, some evolved into lifelong friends, but retirement usually means we lose day-to-day interaction with most former co-workers.

Another scenario is moving away from the residence where you raised a family. Among the many reasons this may have occurred are downsizing to a smaller property, moving closer to family members, or relocating to a more hospitable climate. Whatever the reason, you may no longer feel connected to your previous circle of friends. So, rather than letting a feeling of isolation get the best of you, here are simple ways you can find new communities and make new friends.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to find a renewed feeling of community. It can also have a profound impact on giving one a sense of purpose. In a society that values a competitive work structure, retirement can undermine one's sense of belonging and self-worth. By volunteering for a cause we believe in, we tap into a passion that touches our core values, energizes us, and typically puts us together with like-minded people. Many volunteer activities also allow us to utilize the skills acquired during our careers. Volunteer opportunities include soup kitchens or homeless shelters, Habitat for Humanity, after-school programs like Boys and Girls Clubs, or even serving as a polling station attendant.

Join a Club or League

In any community, there are many active clubs and/or leagues that one can join. Examples of athletic leagues are bowling, golf, disc golf, squash, badminton, billiards, pickleball, and tennis. By joining a competitive league, you can also maintain a sense of vitality and purpose. Individual sports that emphasize technique over raw strength and athletic ability are great for people in retirement. Decades of athleticism and training will help you stay competitive in these sports, even among much younger competitors.

There are also many active clubs for retirees. The Elks, VFW, or General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) are wonderful national organizations that can help connect you with others with similar interests. Your involvement in these organizations often depends on your available time and level of interest.

If large national organizations aren't really for you, you may instead consider joining something more local, like a book club. Book clubs are a fantastic way to meet others and have fascinating conversations. They are also a great way to stay current with what's happening in the world and stay connected to the cultural moment. To find a book club near you, ask at your local library, an independent bookstore, or a community center for recommendations. You can also tap into online platforms like Meetup or Bookclubs.

Writing circles are another great way to get connected and start that novel you've always dreamed of writing. Joining a writing circle is something you can do at any age, and it's something that will help remind you that you are, in fact, part of a community and have more to offer.

Attend Community Events

Depending on where you live, community events can introduce you to new experiences and offer opportunities to meet new people. These could include civic events such as outdoor celebrations, concerts, athletic contests, or memorial ceremonies. Also, many municipalities and school districts offer community education classes where you can learn something new alongside people with similar interests.

If you live in a retirement community, there are typically events planned for residents to meet and make new friends. These could include arts-and-crafts meetings, local outings, and purely social gatherings. The advantage of these events is that attendees already have much in common, since they all live in the same community and are roughly the same age.

Guide the Next Generation

As an elder, you have accumulated decades' worth of wisdom and experience. Now, what to do with those gifts in retirement? Many organizations in your area can connect you with mentoring opportunities. Check with your past employer or school. You could mentor someone with a similar career background or provide educational mentoring for young people. There are also many coaching opportunities for youth sports. Your experience makes you a vital member of any community. Share it.

Exercise

Gyms have long been a wonderful place to meet and interact with others. Whether you are new to personal fitness or an experienced gym rat, looking for fitness classes is a great idea. If you're looking to meet people and, perhaps, find some level of accountability, joining a fitness class is a great way to build relationships with others who can help keep you motivated. Fitness classes are also a great way to shake things up and pull you out of your comfort zone. You may also learn new skills that can help you grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually throughout your retirement years.

Work a Retirement Job

Wait! How can I be “retired” if I’m still earning a paycheck? Most retirees who rejoin the workforce do so part-time. Their reasons run the gamut from wanting the income to fighting boredom to seeking interaction with others. A job can help fight off feelings of infirmity or purposelessness. Another advantage is that you can seek a job you genuinely enjoy. It’s like getting paid to do a hobby or to discover a new passion.

Social connection remains essential throughout life, and retirement offers time to pursue it more intentionally. Community grows through participation, shared experiences, and showing up where others gather. Retirement can become a chapter defined by engagement, contribution, and friendships that feel genuinely rewarding.

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