Seniors 65 years old and older often find themselves in changing life circumstances. They may have lost a spouse or friends to death, moved to senior housing or live in places where they have no family. Retirement may have curtailed their opportunities to socialize, and having more free time highlights the need to make new friends. Seniors can choose from a wide range of activities to stay active and make new friends.
Step 1
Prepare a list of your interests and the times when you are free to participate in activities. Contact the local senior resource center or your city's mayor's office, and ask for a senior resource booklet and whether your community has a senior center. These booklets list all places, services, events and activities in your area that interest seniors.
Step 2
Make a list of place you can go to make new friends, such as the senior center, your church or synagogue or the library. Call those locations and ask for a schedule of activities or classes.
Step 3
Identify local organizations and groups that you can join, such as civic organizations or reading groups. Join a craft group focused on one of your interests or join a volunteer group like the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.
Step 4
Contact your local colleges and universities. Many public colleges allow seniors to audit courses for free, and some allow seniors to enroll in courses without paying tuition. Lifelong learning programs at colleges offer many interesting noncredit courses, and some have programs designed specifically for seniors.
Step 5
Choose one or two items from your list to get started. If transportation is an issue, contact your city transportation provider about special transportation for seniors. Make the calls to arrange attendance at an event or activity or to join a group.
Step 6
Attend the event, smile and introduce yourself. Ask people about themselves and their interests. Attend your activities or group meetings consistently so people expect you and you have time to build relationships. When appropriate, exchange contact information with your new friends and stay in touch with each other.
Step 7
Add additional activities to your social schedule as your time permits, and participate in activities with your new friends. If you are attending a senior center regularly, it is easier to participate in multiple activities and to be connected through emails and newsletters.
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