The majority of us do most of our socialising during our youth. It’s a lot easier to make friends when you’re out and about, effortlessly surrounded by opportunities to meet fellow students or employees daily. But as we get older, we gradually outgrow the formerly tight-knit relationships we had with others – and it gets even more challenging to form new ones when you’re in retirement.

Given that you’re here, reading this article, then chances are, you’re struggling to make meaningful connections with other people – and we’re here to remind you that it’s totally normal, so don’t fret. There are several ways to kickstart your social life and find a new circle of friends.

1. Take a class

Image Credit: Aged Plus​

Whether it’s painting, woodwork, photography, or yoga– people who enrol in a particular class are brought together by a common interest. Sharing your passion as well as the overall learning experience with others fosters a positive place for friendships to inevitably sprout.

To find out which programs or courses you can apply to (with a seniors discount), check out the Australia Wide Seniors Card Information forum which contains a state by state breakdown of various senior discounts you can avail depending on the state or territory you’re located in, including classes that may pique your interest.

2. Hold a ‘watch party’ with long-distance friends or family members!

Calling up an old friend or a family member and asking them if they would be interested in participating in online activities with you can be a great way to cure bouts of loneliness.

If you’re familiar with the streaming application Netflix, we’re delighted to inform you about one of the many platforms that allow you to hold ‘watch parties’ with a group of people – and it’s called scener.

How neat is this? Image Credit: Scener​

Scener is a virtual movie theatre that permits a group of users to simultaneously stream a movie from Netflix or HBO all the while on a video call with them.

So, if you live far away from loved ones and friends, you may want to consider scheduling a movie night with them through this platform! It’s easy and convenient for everyone. However, if you’re not tech-savvy, you may need to ask someone for help to set this one up on your computer as it may come across as a little tricky at first!

Here’s a video tutorial on how you can set up Scener on your computer:

Video Credit: Smart DNS Proxy​

3. Volunteer in your local community

A large portion of senior Australians dedicate their time to volunteering for their local community after they retire. It can provide a sense of purpose and reduces isolation. In fact, one recent study held in 2020 found that seniors who volunteered over 100 hours in a year had better mental health outcomes and better physical outcomes than those who didn't.

Christine Salih, who has been doing volunteer work for Meals on Wheels in South Australia since 2016, shared: “I really enjoyed the feeling of community and fun in the kitchen. We were creating a nutritious meal for people who weren’t able to cook for themselves.”

Image Credit: AgingInPlace.org​

"I was very pleased to be able to have the time to volunteer and think that everybody who can, should also do it. I think it makes us more aware of people less fortunate than us and also allows us to appreciate just how lucky we are. You also learn new skills."

If you’re interested in looking for the best volunteer opportunities that would fit you, you may refer to the following search engines: GoVolunteer.au, SEEKVolunteer.au.

4. Online games with hundreds of other players!

We mentioned that virtual theatres exist, but another way we can interact with others is through video games – and there are PLENTY to choose from but here are a couple of suggestions.

Personally, my nan absolutely loves playing Catan Universe on steam. It’s completely free to play (with in-game purchases if you decide you want more) and it automatically connects you with other users up for a challenge.

Catan Universe. Image Credit: Steam​

If you’re a fan of word games, then you’ll probably like Stop Online - Battle of Words. It’s a multiplayer game that allows you to battle with others on their knowledge of words, trying to be the quickest to respond in order to achieve the highest score.

Alternatively, if you prefer a game that’s a tad bit more traditional, you can always head to Internet Scrabble Club. Here, you’ll find competitive Scrabble players that’ll surely test your skills!

5. Signing up for online communities a.k.a The Seniors Discount Club (Hooray!)

Of course, one of the most convenient and easy ways to meet friends is by signing up for online communities. But if you’re sick and tired of Facebook and Twitter comes off as a little too overwhelming, then you’ll love The Seniors Discount Club.

Image Credit: The Seniors Discount Club​

Our forum is a fun and safe way to interact with other Australian seniors. You can freely talk about your favourite topics, such as gardening, photography, tv shows, and books to name a few – but aside from that, you’ll also find handy information on more serious topics, like scams, product reviews, and news or politics.

Oh, and did we mention that it’s free to join? You read that right! You don’t need to pay anything to be a part of our lovely community.

What are some of the things you do to stay connected with others? Share them with us in the comments!

Here’s a great discussion about how you can find ‘meaning and purpose’ in retirement that you can watch below:

Video Credit: The Inside Network​

 

[Ricci]

I have spent a lifetime of volunteering in one capacity or another. It can be a very rewarding way to spend your time, helping others whilst helping yourself. My last position was helping to run the local primary school canteen, The youngsters keep you on your toes, and through them you meet the parents and become known in the district. I found all my volunteering positions gave me a different perspective on life and can heartily recommend it to all.

 

[Sethia Soliman]

I have spent a lifetime of volunteering in one capacity or another. It can be a very rewarding way to spend your time, helping others whilst helping yourself. My last position was helping to run the local primary school canteen, The youngsters keep you on your toes, and through them you meet the parents and become known in the district. I found all my volunteering positions gave me a different perspective on life and can heartily recommend it to all.

Aww... thank you for sharing this story with us @Ricci ! So glad to hear volunteering worked out well for you

 

[Ejt]

I am 64 and have just started to volunteer at the local pound and loving every minute of it.
It has helped in making me exercise more and helping my mental health as well.

 

[Michelle S]

On retirement back in 2005
- created a French social group with a friend, (twice a month)
- continued my involvement with my local historical society (unfortunately just folded up)
also joined :
- U3A teaching French, (weekly), including zoom during covid
- a craft group, (weekly)
- 3 German groups (to keep up my German -2 still going (both monthly)
- a computer group for seniors, teaching (covid stopped that),
- a "meet up group" of French speakers fortnightly, at some point along the way

I am 80, and apparently still waiting to slow down, as I am still actively gardening and restarted my travelling.
However I was interested in your article as it gives other avenues to keep connected with people and its always good to give tips to people who are at a loose end as people have different needs -though I remember gently letting down a man who wanted to join my French group: he did not speak and had no interest in French but wanted to pick up someone.... I suggested he may want to join a group he had an interest in -

 

[Elbe]

Volunteering makes the world go round! I've done it all my life and it feels so much more satisfying than paid employment to me. There are so many organisations which are desperate for help and by doing as many as you can manage you create a wider circle of contacts too.