How To Make Friends After 50

This is not for everyone. It’s okay to be single and not feel the need to have a cadre of friends at your beck and call. It’s definitely quality over quantity at this point in our lives. As my friend Becca says, “I’m too old for fake friends and too young for no friends!”

For those that do enjoy an occasional lager or like to know someone nearby has got their back in a time of need, this is meant to give you some ideas for meeting people you may be able to tolerate at the very least.

Why Making Friends Gets Trickier (But Better!)

Why Making Friends Gets Tricker (But Better!)

I’m very lucky to have kept a tight friend circle since college. We make an effort to get all eight of us together once a year, but we live far apart and, while our group chats are hilarious, they’re not a replacement for in-person interactions.

Making new friends after fifty can feel about as comfortable as trying to squeeze into your high school jeans. We’re not going out as much, people are busy with work and family, and it can feel kind of cringey to just walk up to someone. 

But here’s the thing: we’re actually in the friendship sweet spot. We know who we are, what we like, and we’ve got zero patience for drama.

One of the best ways to get past that initial awkwardness is to start a conversation around a common interest. Here are a few ideas that might be worth a try.

5 Ways to Build Your Social Circle After 50

1. Embrace Your Inner Hobbyist

Remember that one time you went to one of those pottery painting places and loved every minute of it? Or the rug you never finished weaving that’s still under your bed? It’s time to turn those interests into friendships. Local hobby groups are goldmines for meeting like-minded people. I got into jigsaw puzzles during the pandemic and you’d be surprised how many Facebook groups, puzzle swaps, and competitions (I kid you not) are going on just in my city alone. It doesn’t have to be something you’re particularly skilled at, just an interest you might share.

2. Get Moving

Exercise classes aren’t just good for your backside—they’re friendship incubators. From yoga to water aerobics, the endorphins make everyone friendlier. A friend of mine joined Orange Theory several years ago and has found a nice click of friends that way. Because it’s membership-based, you often see the same people and the classes provide ample opportunity to interact. It’s a natural next step to have a drink or a smoothie after class as a hard-earned reward. If you’re not a gym rat, check Facebook or meetup.com for local hiking, biking, dancing or walking groups. 

3. Be A Do Gooder

Nothing brings people together like a common cause. Whether it’s at an animal shelter, food bank, or local library, volunteering connects you with others who share your values. In my area, there are several women’s organizations that get together multiple times a month to raise money, do local cleanup projects, and socialize. Fostering senior dogs has allowed me to not only meet other volunteers, but I’ve talked to neighbors I’d never have talked to if it wasn’t for the  ‘Adopt Me’ bandana around an old terrier’s neck. Getting involved in your community is a great conversation-starter wherever you go.

4. Become A Regular

Find a local café, bookstore, or bar and show up consistently. After moving, my dad became a morning regular at his neighborhood coffee shop and now has a whole crew of caffeine-fueled friends. I’ve found a group of friends at the dog park and we now call ourselves “The Bark Rangers.” There can be a real sense of belonging when you share the same space with other people. Plus, sometimes regulars get other perks like a free refill or a bowl of salty snacks slid their way.

5. Keep Learning

As we get older, learning new things is a verified way to keep your brain sharp, but it can also be great for your social life. From poetry to pizza-making, learning new things is a win-win way to enhance your life. Check out your local junior college for classes that interest you, many offer reduced rates or free classes for seniors. Our central library has a room full of 3D printers and offers classes on how to use them. Hobby stores often offer a schedule of crafting lessons. There’s really no end to the things you could learn or the friends you might make along the way.

Go Forth and Be Friendly

Whatever route sounds good to you, the first step is to put yourself out there. Here are some useful resources to consider:

The Secret Sauce: Be Authentically You

In my experience, the best friendships come when you’re unapologetically yourself. By now, we’ve earned our quirks, our opinions, and our laugh lines. The right friends will appreciate the real you—bad poetry and all.

*Have you made friends later in life? Share your stories in the comments below!*