Making friends in later years
No matter what your age, having a network of friends is vital for your physical and mental health, as well as your selfesteem and longevity. But the older we get, the harder it can become to make new friends.
When trying to meet new people in your adult years, consider the following tips from Arbor Memorial: Accept invitations Say yes to invitations from friends and family. This will increase your chances of meeting new people or connecting with your friend’s social circle. Regardless of who you interact with, strengthening existing friendships and relationships will improve your quality of life. Try continuing education Similar to attending events, consider expanding your social circle by enrolling in a class. The classroom is a natural place to make connections. Plus, as a student you are encouraged to engage with others in class discussions and group work, making it much easier to break the ice and start a conversation. Volunteer or work part-time Taking on a part-time or volunteer role gives you a new network within which you can build new relationships. “You’ll want to focus on jobs that are conducive to conversation,” suggests Joanne Talbot, branch manager at Arbor Memorial. “You are likely to form meaningful connections with colleagues, regular customers and the families of people you serve.” Consider getting a dog While getting a pet is no small decision, dogs offer close companionship. Daily walks with your fluffy pal will give you a chance to meet other pet parents. Your new walking routine will give you an opportunity to socialize and build a connection with other Explore online The internet and social media can help you get in touch with people from your past, connect with friends of friends and learn about community activities or groups. Not only do you meet new people in your area, you can also find some who share your interests.