A third of seniors are lonely. We know that being lonely can reduce our life spans are put us at risk of illnesses such as heart disease or stroke.

Chronic loneliness will leave you feeling unenergized, unable to focus, achy, miserable, and anxious.

Rather than turning to negative habits, such as overeating, compulsively spending, or drinking or taking drugs, consider facing your loneliness head-on.

There are many ways we can tackle loneliness. But, one of the best ways to do so is to make lasting, fulfilling relationships. In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of seniors meeting seniors and how you can make friends in later life.

1. Search for Purpose First

While searching for meaning and purpose in our life, we will come across others doing the same and be able to build close friendships.

By finding your purpose, you will feel more content and comfortable with yourself. This will make it easier to build connections with others.

Perhaps your purpose is to make the world a better place, in which you should be tutoring, reaching out to others, and starting clubs for other lonely seniors.

Maybe your purpose is to follow the word of your God closely. By regularly going to religious meetings, you will meet people with the same interests as you.

While searching for purpose, you will meet others who are doing the same along the way. Finding our purpose has been described as the only way to bring happiness.

2. Make Use of Technology

Reaching out to people on Facebook is one of the best ways to get in contact with other seniors in your area.

If you’re a technophobe, ask a relative or friend to help you create a Facebook account. By doing this, you can sign up for local events and groups.

But, you can also connect with old friends from school or college. Build your social circle to include people you knew when you were younger but also new people who have similar interests.

As well as meeting new friends this way, you will also be learning a new skill! Better yet, learning how to use an iPhone or iPad will enable you to connect with family when you feel lonely.

Got to Grips With Facebook? Now Try Tinder!

Do you want to make friends but also go on dates? Then, why not consider joining a dating site? These websites are full of young people, but it is possible to set your age parameters so you only see people in the age-range you want to date.

Going on dates is a great way to boost your confidence. It gives you an excuse to leave the house later in the evening and you’ll get to practice your flirting!

3. Start Volunteering for a Good Cause

Are you an avid gardener? Then, why not join your local gardening club? Do you have experience with animals? Why not volunteer to walk a neighbor’s dog?

By chasing your passions, you are more likely to meet other people with similar interests.

As seniors have more time to volunteer than younger people, you’re also more likely to meet other people your age.

4. Join a Club That Interests You

Do you love to sew? Were you once a menace on the badminton court? Reignite your interests by joining clubs.

Sports clubs that take place during the day are a great way to meet others who are retired! If you struggle with sporting activities then why not try water aerobics which is easier on the joints?

After attending a club a few times, you will get to know familiar faces and build camaraderie naturally. Why not invite people that attend your club for tea or coffee after the event?

By joining a club, you are learning a new skill, meeting new people, and building your confidence.

Consider lunch clubs, knitting, games, arts and crafts, badminton, tennis, dance, photography, aqua aerobics, or more. There are endless activities you can try out.

If you find that there simply aren’t enough clubs in your local area, then make it your passion to set up a club of your own.

Do you want to bring people together to chat about books? Then, why not use the internet or simply word of mouth to start a book club. Visit your favorite cafe and ask them to help you spread the word.

5. Go on a Seniors Meeting Seniors Trip

Do you remember the name of your first friend that you met at camp? Friends that are made in unusual circumstances usually stay with us!

Therefore, if you want to get close to new people quickly, there is no better way to do this than to go on a trip for seniors.

Cruises are a wonderful way to get to know people fast. You’ll be eating dinner with the same people every night and attending classes or entertainment shows.

Alternatively, why not join a walking trip for seniors or a bus tour? Although you may feel nervous attending, you’ll get to know people very well, very quickly.

Even if you don’t make friends for life, by going on regular trips, you’ll see more of the country, get to know more people, and boost your confidence! You’ll be better traveled than your great-nieces and nephews!

Alternatively, why not try moving into a community for older people? Check out the Sonnet Experience!

There Are Hundreds of Ways to Make New Friends

When it comes to seniors meeting seniors, one of the best ways to make friends is to get used to striking up a conversation with people.

Overcome the feeling of being “weird” and you’ll make great friendships. If you don’t find the right people at a local class, then join a new one! Make your purpose in life to have close friendships and enjoy the process, rather than feeling lonely.

Finally, if you find living alone to be a lonely experience, then the best way to make new friends who feel like family is to move to our home. Learn more about our living options, here.