Friends are important no matter what your age. But many people worry about finding friends in retirement because they can no longer rely on school, work, or their children to connect with new people. Forging a new friendship in adulthood isn’t as simple as it was in childhood, when you could just ask another kid at the playground, “Hey, do you want to be my friend?” Whether you’re feeling lonely or you would simply like more friends in your life, scroll down to check out some tips for finding new friends in your senior years.
Tips for Finding New Friends in Your Senior Years
Start with a smile.
Don’t underestimate the power of a smile! When you lead with a pleasant, warm, and welcoming expression, people are more likely to reach out to you. A 2015 study found that smiles “foster mutual trust,” which is critical for developing new friendships.
Reach out to acquaintances.
You don’t necessarily have to start from scratch. Are there any acquaintances in your social circle that you would like to get to know better? What about your next-door neighbor, the woman who stands behind you in aerobics, or the man you always see playing chess before dinner? Potential new friends are all around you!
Join an activity, event, club, or class.
If you’re eager to make friends, you will likely need to step outside the box of your typical routine. Senior living communities are excellent for this because of their exciting, ever-changing social calendars. Peruse the monthly schedule and find some activities, events, or even a club that you would like to try. Follow your passions, but also, don’t be afraid to try something totally new and unfamiliar. Even if you try tai chi, for example, and find that it isn’t for you, you might make a new friend in the process!
Connect with friends of friends.
One of the best ways to find new friends is to reach out to your current friends! After all, if you and another person have friends in common, there’s a good chance that you’ll get along well too. So the next time you’re asking a friend to join you for lunch or bingo, tell them they’re welcome to bring along a buddy as well.
Volunteer.
Volunteering is an excellent way to make new friends because you can feel confident that the other people volunteering have similar values to yours. Friendships can naturally bloom as you work toward a common goal. Plus, even if you don’t make a new friend, you’ll be doing good work and helping your community.
Toss out your expectations.
When it comes to making new friends, it’s important to go with the flow. You never know if the next person you meet will become a friendly acquaintance, develop into an intimate friend, or remain a stranger. Try to avoid putting pressure on new relationships. You can’t expect every new buddy to become a close friend.
Be sincerely curious about others.
One of the best ways to get to know someone new is to ask them lots of questions. Most people enjoy talking about themselves, and they’ll feel honored that you’re curious about their experiences and opinions. That said, it’s also critical that you really listen to what they’re saying. Good listening skills are crucial for fostering new friendships. In addition, always be sincere. The best friendships are built on honesty and authenticity.
Make yourself available.
Senior living communities provide so many communal spaces. Take advantage of them, and make yourself visible and available to others. For example, go for walks, attend activities and events, hang out in public spaces, and say hello to the people that pass by. Especially when you combine this open attitude with a smile, you’re sure to catch the eye of potential new friends.
Say yes.
Many people turn down invitations on instinct, claiming that they’re busy or not interested. So the next time someone invites you to join their book club, for example, or their game of bridge, try to say yes instead. Even if you’re not an avid reader or the best bridge player, what have you got to lose? Saying yes and being open to new opportunities is critical if you’re hoping to expand your social circle.
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We hope that these tips for finding new friends prove helpful! By making a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can open the door for new relationships. Good luck!
Are you looking for a premier assisted living and memory care community in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina? Come visit us at Waterstone on Augusta. Our community is both relaxing and elegant, and we strive to enhance the quality of life of the seniors we serve through teamwork and unity. To learn more about our amenities and to view our lovely community, please schedule a tour online or call us today at 864-605-7236.