5 best ways for over-50s to make new friends and spend time together

Making friends when you're over 50 can be a challenge. The traditional ways of meeting people - through work, school, or social events - may no longer be as accessible as they once were. And even if you do have access to these people, you may no longer have the same interests or life stage as them.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to meet new friends, even if you're over 50. Here are five of the best:

1. Social media and online forums

Social media can be a great way to connect with old friends and make new ones all over the world. There are many different social media platforms that you can use to find people with similar interests. You can also join groups or participate in discussions in order to meet new people who are into the same things as you.

There are also many online forums and groups dedicated to bringing people over 50 together. These can be great places to meet new friends and connect with like-minded people. Plus, you can often find activities and events being organised by members of these groups, which can be great ways to meet new people and have some fun together.

You can find a number of websites and apps that help people find local groups and events to attend. There are often meetup groups specifically for people over 50, which can be great places to meet new friends. Attend one of these meetups, or start your own! One such app is 50plus50 Club, where you can join or create groups to gather with similar minded people (https://www.50plus50.com).

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2. Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make friends, while also being a great way to give back to your community. There are many different organisations that need volunteers and welcome people of all ages, so you're sure to find one that's a good fit for you. And, as an added bonus, volunteering can also be a great way to improve your mental and physical health.

There are a few different ways that you can find organisations to volunteer for. You can search for volunteer opportunities online, or you can contact your local community centre or school district to find out about opportunities in your area. You can also look for organisations that need volunteers on websites like https://www.volunteermatch.org.

3. Community events

There are many different ways to get involved in your community. Your local community is sure to be full of events and activities that are perfect for meeting new friends or just getting to know your neighbours. From festivals and fairs to concerts and classes, there's sure to be something that interests you. Attend these events with the intention of meeting new people, and you're sure to make some great friends in no time.

Getting involved in your community is a great way to meet new people and make lasting friendships, especially if you don't know many people in your area. Check your local newspaper or website for listings of upcoming events.

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4. Take a class

Taking a class is another great way to meet new friends who share your interests as well as learn something new. There are many adult education classes offered at community colleges and other institutions. Check your local community college or university for more information on third age university programs in your area.

The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a great way to meet new friends and continue your education. These universities are specifically designed for people over 50, and they offer a variety of classes and activities. U3A is a UK-wide movement of locally-run groups providing a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun and explore new ideas and skills. It is a nationwide network of learning groups aimed at encouraging older people to share their knowledge, skills and interests in a friendly environment. There are no exams and no homework, just regular lessons or study groups. Visit https://www.u3a.org.uk to find out more about U3A.

5. Travel and active groups

If you love to travel, there are many different travel groups that you can join in order to meet new friends who share your interests. These groups often offer discounts on travel, as well as the opportunity to meet other travellers and explore different destinations together. Joining a travel group is a great way to make new friends and see the world at the same time.

There are also often recreation groups for people over 50 that meet regularly to do things like play tennis, golf, or bridge. Joining one of these groups can be a great way to make new friends while getting some exercise. And, if you're not particularly sporty, there are usually other options available as well, like book clubs or cooking classes, e.g. 50plus50 Club is a place where you can find groups and meetings for active over-50s or start a group and gather other people who share your interests - see https://www.50plus50.co m.

Making friends when you're over 50 doesn't have to be difficult, even if you don't have many friends in your own age group. With a little effort, you're sure to find some new friends to spend time with. The only thing you need to do is be proactive, try to find a group and engage with others. Talking is the only way to begin a new friendship. ;-)

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