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How to make new friends if you're over 50

BY READERS DIGEST

1st Jan 2015 Life

How to make new friends if you're over 50

If you're over 50 and have recently found that your diary is empty, you are not alone. Here are some tips for making new friends if you're over 50.

 

Many people reach this half-century milestone and find life is less full than they would like it to be. Perhaps children have grown up and flown the nest, or you've recently been bereaved or divorced. Suddenly it can seem like old friends and familiar faces from the past have vanished. 

 

Revisit past interests or try new ones

Think about things that you used to enjoy before work or family commitments took over. Revisit past hobbies or interests and pursue them again. Consider joining any groups related to these interests, such as an art class or a writing group. 

Alternatively, try something new that sounds appealing, like learning a new language at night school or joining a pilates class. Hooking up with like-minded people is one of the easiest ways to establish new friendships. 

 

Volunteer

Undertaking voluntary work is a great way to meet new people, and there are tons of opportunities for getting involved, no matter what your interests are or how much time you have to spare. From volunteering a few hours each week in the local charity shop, to assisting with community projects, search for opportunities online or in the newspaper.

 

Join a walking group

If you enjoy the great outdoors, consider joining a walking group, such as the Ramblers. There will be regular guided walks organised for you to take part in, where you'll get the chance to meet new people and form friendships. Some groups such as these even organise holidays and tours.

 

Socialise with grandchildren

If you have grandchildren and you look after them on occasion, one of the best ways to make new friends is to meet other grandparents. Consider taking young grandchildren to a playgroup or even the playground, and you'll soon find how easy it is to strike up conversations with other grandparents who are there too.

 

Turn virtual friendships into real ones

If you're a member of an online forum or interest group and you have made some friendships online, investigate the possibility of turning any of these virtual friendships into real ones. Perhaps some members live close by that you could meet up with at a café, for instance?

 

Find out what is on locally

Keep an eye open for events that are happening nearby. Your local library is often a good source of information for this. Although it's hard to make new friends on a whim, the more effort that you put in to getting involved with things, the more you will get out of it. It's worth remembering that you won't be alone - there's bound to be other people just like you looking to make new friendships, too.

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