Retirement often brings new adventures - maybe you’ve moved to a new area, or life looks different after a separation or loss. While change can be challenging, it also brings fresh opportunities to meet people and try something new.
Making new friends and finding your rhythm again can feel a bit daunting, but it can also be deeply rewarding. And while many of us now live more digitally, there’s still a strong need for genuine, face-to-face connection.
It’s no secret that loneliness is on the rise, especially among older adults. Over 3.3 million people over 65 live alone in the UK, and studies, including research carried out by AgeUK, have shown that isolation can impact health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
But here’s the hopeful part: small steps make a big difference. Whether it’s joining a local group, chatting with a neighbour, or volunteering, there are so many ways to connect - and feel connected - again.
It is incredibly easy to get stuck in a rut, but research (and experience) shows that positive thinking is the best way forward. It's never too late to find and make new friends, and discover how these new friendships develop.
Read on for some really helpful tips and tricks on ways to go places, meet new people and build new friendships, as well as the potential health benefits that investing time in your enjoyment and wellbeing may bring.
The health boost of friendship
Staying socially connected isn’t just good for the soul, it’s great for your health too. Regular interaction with friends can lift your mood, sharpen your mind, and even support your physical wellbeing.
A recent study carried out by University College London (UCL) identified that people over 60 who regularly connect with others can reduce their risk of dementia by up to 12%. Being part of a social circle also encourages healthier habits, like eating better and staying active, while helping you avoid things like smoking or poor sleep, which are often linked to loneliness.
Simple activities like joining a cooking club, meeting for a cuppa, or taking part in a weekly group (think book club, walking group, or choir) can make a big difference. You’ll not only feel more connected, but you’ll also be building a lifestyle that supports long-term health and happiness.
Making new friends in later life
Meeting new people as we get older is often easier than you'd think. Whether you’re after a friendly chat, a new hobby, or just some good company, there are plenty of ways to connect.
Start Small: You don’t need to dive into big events. A local walking group, a cuppa with new neighbours, or a gentle social group might be just the thing. Organisations like u3a, AgeUK, and reengage offer low-pressure, friendly activities for people over 55. Perhaps check out the events hosted at your local church or community centre. You can often find the information on your local council website. It's an easy way to get involved and meet people at your own pace.
Try Something New: Fancy learning a new skill? Join a class in painting, Tai Chi, or even Mahjong. Local Facebook groups or sites like u3a, AgeUK, and the NHS can help you find activities that match your interests and ability level.
Lend a Hand: Volunteering is a great way to meet people and give back. National schemes like Volunteering Matters and Do-It are a good start, or just pop into a local charity shop and offer a hand.
Prefer a Chat? If you’re home-based, charities like Time to Talk Befriending (in Brighton, Hove, and Worthing) can match you with someone for regular visits or phone chats. Not local? Look into AgeUK or the Befriending Network for similar support nationwide.
Connecting from home: Making friends online, safely
Getting out into your local community is a great way to meet new people, but if mobility, health, or transport make that tricky, don’t worry. The online world can be a brilliant place to stay connected, meet like-minded people, and even build real friendships from the comfort of home.
Start with Social Media: One of the easiest ways to connect online is through Facebook. It’s free, easy to use, and great for staying in touch with friends, family, and local groups. You can even create your own group or join existing ones like the Over 60s Friendship Group UK, where people arrange meet-ups, share stories, or simply chat with others who understand what you're going through.
Try SilverSurfers: Another great platform is SilverSurfers, designed specifically for over 55s. You’ll find news, helpful articles, creative spaces, and forums where you can chat with others who share your interests.
Stay safe while socialising online. Making new friends is wonderful, but staying safe is just as important. A few simple tips to keep in mind:
- Always meet new online friends in a public place, like a café or library, and bring a friend if you can.
- Never share financial information, no matter how trustworthy someone seems.
- Be cautious with links sent through messages or emails. If something feels off, it’s best to ignore it.
Dating later in life
If you’re looking to find new friends, it could also be the perfect opportunity to branch out a little bit further. If you’ve been considering starting dating, friends of friends is often the perfect place to begin; you have that mutual connection, and it may not feel quite as overwhelming. However, if you’re seeking to meet someone new, via online dating, AgeUK has a step by step guide to setting up your new dating profile.
As previously mentioned, it’s important to stay safe online. Make sure you always meet in a neutral space, let someone know where you are at all times, avoid going home with them after your first meeting and never give out any sensitive information, especially over the internet. It all boils down to common sense.
With this in mind, there are some great dating websites, which are perfect for all ages, as well as for those who are keeping themselves exclusive to the over 50s.
Whether it's volunteering, picking up a new hobby, or joining a friendly group like Time to Talk Befriending, there are so many ways to build new connections and maybe even make a few lifelong friends along the way.
Thinking about relocating?
We’re here to help make your move into retirement living simple and stress-free. At Homewise, we’ve spent nearly 50 years supporting people aged 60+ to find the right home and the right lifestyle for their next chapter.
Still searching for your perfect property? Or unsure how far your budget could stretch? Try our online quick calculator, it’s fast, free, and could give you a clearer picture of what’s possible.
And if you're looking for a vibrant community with like-minded neighbours, be sure to explore Churchill Living. We’re proud to partner with them. Churchill Living create welcoming, secure, and sociable environments designed specifically for those over 60.
Get in touch with our team today, we’d love to help you take the next step toward the retirement you deserve.