How To Make Friends In Your Fifties: Tips and Tricks

by Ellen Blake

Do you struggle to make new friends in Your 50s? You’re not alone. Reaching half a century is a milestone. It’s a time when we’re wiser and more confident. And as an empty nester, I have more free “me” time now. But I’m finding that it’s not easy to make new friends as an older adult.

Meeting new people was easy when my children were younger and involved in lots of activities. We spent a lot of time with the other families who had children the same age as ours, and our social life revolved around them. Unfortunately, when the kids grew up and eventually left home, we didn’t see the parents on a regular basis anymore. Life gets busy and priorities change. Getting together became more of an effort when we no longer had the children’s activities to keep us connected. We realized that while we truly enjoyed these friendships during those years, what we primarily had in common was the kids. And so, we drifted apart.

I am lucky to have lots of “forever” friends, but few still live locally. We talk on the phone, text, and visit when we can, and I treasure those friendships. Many of those who do live close by are busy with family commitments. At age 50+, many have grandchildren or help care of elderly parents, both of which are, understandably, their priority. I decided I needed to widen my social circle. Though making friends after 50 can be challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding for both emotional and physical well-being. Below are some tricks I learned along the way that might be helpful if you are also looking to make new friends at 50+.

The Rewards and Challenges of Making Friends After 50

As much as I wanted to meet new people and make new friends, I was admittedly rusty and did not know where to start. Gathering spaces aren’t so easy to come by now. I learned it’s important to put yourself out there, though it may feel awkward at first if you are out of practice. However, the rewards definitely outweigh the challenges for a variety of reasons.

The Importance of Making Friends at 50+

Friendships at any age are important, but they take on an even more significant role as we navigate the later stages of life. We are happiest, healthiest, and at our best when we feel connected to others. In fact, research shows that sense of connection and community leads to greater longevity. We need to both support and be supported by others. Here’s why:

Mental Health

Engaging in conversations with friends keeps our minds sharp and active. Additionally, feeling valued by friends boosts our self-confidence. Perhaps most importantly, having strong connections help stave off loneliness and combat feelings of isolation and depression. We currently have an epidemic of loneliness and isolation in the U.S., which can have significant health consequences. As per Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy,

“Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives,”

Physical Health

Social interaction helps lower our stress levels, which benefits our physical health.  According to the National Institute on Aging, a lack of community can result in high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, depression, and cognitive function. In contrast, those with a good support system tend to live longer, happier and healthier lives.

Life Enrichment

Friendships offer different viewpoints and experiences, which can provide opportunities for growth. Additionally, it’s easier to get started with new activities or hobbies when you have a like-minded friend to do them with, at least for me.

The Challenges of Making Friends After 50

As wonderful as it is to make a new friend, actually doing so is not without challenges. For example, at our age, many people already have established social circles; it is difficult sometimes to break into existing friend groups. And time constraints might factor into it as well. It can be a juggling act to balance work, family and social life for some who therefore might not feel they have the bandwidth to nurture a new friendship. Some people experience anxiety putting ourselves out there; I know I do. Nobody likes rejection. When we do meet someone who is also looking to make new friends after 50, you then have the challenge of trying to find common ground with them. There may or may not be a connection. If you experience any of these situations when trying to make new friends, try not to take it personally and move on. Establishing new friendships can take time, so try to practice patience!

Practical Tips to Make New Friends in Midlife

Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone? The hardest part is getting started. Not all of the ideas below work well everyone; find those you believe will work best for you. You will likely find multiple starts and stops to friendships, but it’s important to have a positive attitude and remain open and curious about others. Being open and approachable is key; a warm smile and friendly greeting can go a long way and lead to unexpected friendships. Here’s how I ended up making new friends in my fifties.

Leverage Shared Interests

Joining clubs or groups centered around your hobbies is a great way to meet like-minded individuals. Whether it’s a book club, hiking group, or cooking class, shared interests often serve as a strong foundation for friendship. Participate in groups that align with your passions. For me, pickleball was a great way to meet people. It’s a social sport that’s not hard to learn, easy on the joints, and offers the added benefit of exercise. You can go to just about any recreation center these days and play pick-up games; you don’t have to go with a partner.

Volunteer

Volunteer work is another excellent way to meet new people while giving back to your community. It’s not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to meet new people. Volunteer opportunities provide a platform to connect with others who share your values and passions. Local charities, theaters, hospitals, senior centers, or animal shelters often welcome volunteers. With all the organizations around that look for volunteers, you should be able to find one that’s a good fit for you.

Attend Social Events

Local events, such as art fairs or community festivals, offer opportunities to mingle with people from diverse backgrounds. These events can provide a relaxed and enjoyable way to expand your social circle.

Enroll in Adult Classes

Participating in adult education classes is both intellectually stimulating and socially rewarding. Learning new skills while surrounded by people with similar interests can foster new friendships.

Travel Solo

No one to travel with? No problem! There are organizations like Road Scholar that cater to solo travelers in the 50plus age group. There are also lots of Facebook travel groups to provide you with inspiration. Traveling is a wonderful way to bond with like-minded people.

Tap into Online Communities

You might feel hesitant to find friends online, but social media and online forums are valuable tools for connecting with people who share your interests. Online communities offer a virtual space to interact and build relationships before meeting in person. They provide a virtual space to connect with others who share your interests. Social media platforms and online forums can be a great starting point for building friendships. Meetup groups are a good place to start. Stay safe; do not provide personal or financial information.

The Bottom Line

Though no one said making new friends in this stage of our lives is easy, there are many rewards. Friendships provide a support system and community that offers joy, laughter and both mental and physical health benefits. Positive social connections are important, powerful, and promote longevity.

What can you do to help make friends after 50? Go outside your comfort zone and try something new. Please let us know how it worked out!

FAQs

Below are commonly asked questions about making friends after 50.

How can making new friends in your fifties help me achieve a balanced and fulfilling life?

Building new friendships definitely contributes to a well-rounded and fulfilling life. These relationships enhance your social support network, offer new experiences, and provide emotional and practical benefits. Friendships help ensure you have diverse sources of joy and satisfaction.

How can I start conversations with new people?

• Be Approachable: Make eye contact and smile. Show openness through your body language.
• Ask Questions: Ask about their interests or experiences; people generally enjoy talking about themselves.
• Share About Yourself: Offer a bit about your own interests and experiences to create a connection.

What if I feel anxious about meeting new people?

It’s natural to feel nervous. It’s a good idea to start with smaller, more manageable interactions, then gradually build up your comfort level. Keep in mind that building new relationships take time.

Are online platforms useful for making friends after 50?

Yes, online platforms can be very effective. Look for social networks or apps designed for making new friends, such as Meetup or Facebook groups. Find those centered around your interests. Be sure to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of people you meet online.

How can I overcome the fear of rejection?

Rejection is a natural part of forming new friendships. It’s not a reflection of your worth, but rather a part of the process. Try to maintain a positive attitude and focus on the connections that are meaningful to you.

What if I feel like I’m not connecting with people I meet?

A connection may not turn into a lasting friendship, and that’s okay. Keep trying, stay open-minded, and try to focus on enjoying the process of meeting new people.

Why is it important to make new friends in midlife?

Making new friends in midlife is important because it helps combat loneliness and isolation, provides emotional support, and enriches your social life. These new friendships can also enhance your personal growth and contribute to a sense of belonging.