8 Ways To Make New Friends After 60
For many, our 60s and beyond offer more time to enjoy life, but it can also be a period where finding new friendships becomes a bit more challenging. Yet, meaningful relationships play a key role in enriching our lives.
The positive effects of having friends are well documented: they enhance mental health, contribute to a sense of belonging, and even promote longevity (Aetna). Studies suggest that social connections may lower the risk of dementia and improve overall well-being (Mayo Clinic).
If you’re wondering how to make new friends when you’re older, here are eight enjoyable and practical ways to help grow your social circle.
1. Join a Social Group or Club
Clubs and groups provide a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share your hobbies or passions. Whether you’re interested in joining a book club, knitting circle, walking group or gardening club, these groups make socializing easier by giving you shared topics to talk about.
For example, a book club allows you to engage in meaningful discussions about favorite stories and ideas, building a common bond that can grow into friendship over time.
Many communities, including Clarendale Clayton, offer on-site clubs that are inclusive and welcoming. These groups bring people together on a regular basis, allowing for consistent interactions – one of the best ways to nurture genuine friendships.
2. Attend Community Events
Attending community events is a simple yet effective way to meet new people. Many towns and neighborhoods host fairs, art shows, seasonal festivals, and live music events, which are fantastic spaces for socializing.
If you’re living at Clarendale Clayton, there’s a lively calendar filled with themed dinners, holiday gatherings, and other community-hosted events, providing countless ways to mingle with neighbors.
Community events encourage casual conversations in a relaxed setting, where it’s easy to find shared interests. The atmosphere is often festive and lighthearted, helping even the shyest individuals feel comfortable enough to open up and make a friend or two.
3. Sign Up for Classes
Lifelong learning is a joy that comes with an added bonus – the chance to meet others who are just as eager to learn. Taking classes in something you’ve always wanted to explore – whether painting, cooking or even ballroom dancing – offers a fantastic way to expand your social network. Not only do you acquire new skills, but you’re also surrounded by people with whom you instantly have something in common.
Classes encourage regular, structured interactions. They provide natural conversation starters, as you can discuss lessons, share challenges, and even practice outside of class. Many residents at Clarendale Clayton enjoy the ongoing learning opportunities offered in the community, from art and fitness classes to creative workshops that inspire connections. We even have a great partnership with the Oasis Institute and nearby Washington University!
4. Volunteer for a Cause
Giving back to the community through volunteering is another wonderful way to make connections. By helping others, you’re likely to meet people who share your values and interests. Volunteering at a local animal shelter, library or community center brings you into contact with people who also have big hearts and a desire to make a difference. Working together creates a sense of purpose and camaraderie that can foster strong friendships.
Volunteering also provides an added benefit to your physical and mental health and emotional well-being (Mayo Clinic Health System). Studies suggest that volunteering helps to reduce stress and increase happiness, creating a positive ripple effect in your social life.
5. Join a Support Group
For those facing specific challenges or transitions, support groups can offer an invaluable network of friendship and understanding. It’s deeply comforting to connect with people who understand what you’re going through.
Whether you’re dealing with health challenges, loss or simply adjusting to a new stage in life, support groups offer a place to find companionship and a sense of belonging.
Sharing stories, receiving encouragement, and giving support all help to create strong, lasting friendships.
Many senior living communities, including Clarendale Clayton, organize regular support groups to help residents navigate life’s challenges with the comfort of knowing they’re not alone.
6. Get To Know Your Neighbors
Sometimes, friendship is just next door. Taking the initiative to introduce yourself to neighbors can be the first step toward creating meaningful friendships. Neighbors often become a vital part of one’s support network, offering companionship and assistance whenever needed.
Clarendale Clayton fosters a strong sense of neighborhood and community within its walls. Residents often mention how easily they’ve made friends here, thanks to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Regular community gatherings, group activities, and shared spaces make it easy for neighbors to get to know each other and build connections naturally.
7. Join a Health or Fitness Group
Friendships built around health goals can be incredibly rewarding. Many communities and fitness centers offer classes like yoga, tai chi, walking clubs, and even aqua aerobics, which are tailored to older adults. These classes not only promote physical well-being but also foster social interactions with people who share similar health and wellness interests.
Exercise classes encourage regular attendance, helping participants become familiar faces to each other. Having a workout buddy or joining a wellness group can make fitness feel more enjoyable and less like a chore while simultaneously providing a built-in support system. At Clarendale Clayton, we offer a variety of fitness options that encourage residents to connect through shared wellness goals.
8. Host or Attend Social Gatherings
If you’re open to hosting, consider organizing small gatherings such as a coffee morning, tea party or even a casual game night. These relaxed settings allow for easy conversation and interaction. Hosting a gathering in your home or community space can be a comfortable way to get to know people without the formalities of a larger event. And if hosting isn’t for you, keep an eye out for social gatherings organized by the community.
At Clarendale Clayton, regular social gatherings are a cherished part of life. Residents enjoy everything from happy hours to movie nights, giving everyone a chance to unwind and connect with others. These events add vibrancy to our community, making it a true home filled with friends.
Discover the Warm Community at Clarendale Clayton
What truly makes Clarendale Clayton feel like home are the friendships and the warm, neighborly atmosphere. The residents here take pride in creating a community where new members are greeted with kindness and camaraderie.
Whether through organized activities, casual conversations or neighborhood meet-ups, Clarendale Clayton fosters connections that help new residents feel like they belong.
Ready To Expand Your Social Circle?
Making friends after 60 can be a joyful, rewarding experience, and Clarendale Clayton offers the perfect setting to do so. Here, elegant living blends seamlessly with a friendly, supportive community where meaningful connections flourish. Reach out at 314-742-9407 to schedule a tour and see firsthand how easy it can be to make new friends and start a new chapter of social fulfillment.