Making friends can be difficult at any age, but it can be especially challenging for those in their 60s and beyond. With fewer opportunities to socialise and meet new people, many seniors can become isolated and lonely.

There are several reasons why making friends can be more difficult for seniors. For one, many are retired and no longer have the opportunity to meet people through work. They may also have lost friends due to death or relocation. And as we age, we often become less mobile, making it harder to get out and about.

Fortunately, there are ways to overcome these challenges and make friends as a senior. Here are some top tips to meet people after 60.

Making friends after 60 seems too difficult for many, but with the right amount of effort, you can meet new people who will play meaningful roles in your life. Credit: Senior Planet.​

1. Connecting through technology

Technology can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. However, it's not always as simple as just downloading a new app or signing up for a new website. You still have to be proactive and put yourself in situations where you're likely to meet new people.

While it's easy to be sceptical of making friends online, it can be a great way to connect with people who share your interests. And, with a little bit of effort, you can turn those online connections into real-life friendships. As always, be careful sharing personal information online. Video chatting can be a great way to confirm who you’re speaking with.

2. Volunteering for charities and other organisations

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community and make a difference in the lives of others. It can also be a great way to meet new people and connect with others who share your values.

While it may take some time to find the right volunteer opportunity for you, it's important to remember that there are many organisations and companies that rely on volunteers all year round. So, whether you're looking for a one-time opportunity or something more long-term, there's sure to be something out there that's a perfect fit for you.

3. Participating in community meetups

There are plenty of things to do in your community if you just take the time to look. Meetup groups are a great way to get involved and meet new people. There are groups for just about everything, so you're sure to find one that interests you.

There are also the communities that put them together; you can check your local bulletins to see what's going on, or you can join Facebook to see what's going on in the community as local Facebook pages are now commonplace.

And, if you're feeling shy, you can always start your own group. Who knows, you might just meet some great friends – and have a lot of fun – in the process.

Some local councils also host regular free events such as gardening, tennis and yoga for seniors so check out whether your local area is running anything soon.

4. Joining or starting a book club

If you're looking for ways to make friends, you might want to consider joining or starting a book club. Book clubs provide a great opportunity to meet new people and chat about books, and they can be a lot of fun.

Starting a book club is easy – you can simply put up a sign at your local coffee shop or bookstore, or create a meetup group online. And if you're worried about being too shy or awkward, don't worry – there are plenty of other people out there who feel the same way. The key is to be proactive and take the first step. Your local library may even already host one which takes some organisational stress off you!

Making friends can help improve your overall health and well-being as friendships can provide social, emotional, and physical benefits. Credit: HelpGuide.com.​

5. Joining online communities

There are many ways for seniors to meet friends, but one great way is to join online communities. There are communities for all kinds of interests, so seniors can easily find one that suits them. Joining an online community is a great way to make friends because it’s easy to find people with similar interests.

And if you're looking to join an online community, then look no further than the Seniors Discount Club!

Yes, we are also a platform for seniors who are looking to connect with their peers. Aside from providing you with news, entertainment, and money-saving tips, the website allows members of the club to share tips on how to find discounts, and chat with each other about their experiences.

Not to brag but we think it’s a great way to make friends and save money at the same time!

It's never too late to make friends. In fact, making friends can help improve your overall health and well-being. Friendships can provide social, emotional, and physical benefits.

We hope these tips help you find new friends or reconnect with old ones! If you know other tips for connecting with people, feel free to share them with us in the comments below. Or simply share what you’re interested in and you might just find a like-minded friend right here in the comments!

 

[Janet g]

There’s a group called Starts at 60 they are online and “live” also they are all over Australia we even have one in Bunbury WA

 

[MIZMAC]

For ladies there are VIEW clubs. These are Australia wide and offer fun and friendship. They meet monthly and usually have a Guest Speaker. Members enjoy a meal together at the meeting. Some are daytime and others evening groups. Activities are held during the month outings, coffee mornings, lunches and much more. In the meantime they are raising funds to help disadvantaged Australian children through THE SMITH FAMILY Learning for life sponsorship.

 

[Ricci]

I enjoy SDC and look forward to getting my emails daily. I like following the threads of conversations and comment on as many as I am able to ensure I see all the responses. I like that it is (mostly) positive, respectful, thoughtful and caring. There are a lot of wonderful people attached to SDC, from the lovely people who put it together for us every day to the majority of the responders with their comments and wit. Keep up the good work, you help to keep us sane!!.

 

[Ezzy]

I enjoy SDC and look forward to getting my emails daily. I like following the threads of conversations and comment on as many as I am able to ensure I see all the responses. I like that it is (mostly) positive, respectful, thoughtful and caring. There are a lot of wonderful people attached to SDC, from the lovely people who put it together for us every day to the majority of the responders with their comments and wit. Keep up the good work, you help to keep us sane!!.

Couldn't agree more Ricci.