Friends can help make life feel a little more fun and satisfying. But as people grow older, some tend to spend more time alone, and that may have a negative impact on their health. The National Institute on Aging reports that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, weakened immune function, anxiety, cognitive decline and dementia.
Friendship takes time and effort, whether you’re keeping in touch with old friends, reconnecting with acquaintances or looking for new pals. In fact, a researcher at the University of Kansas studied how much time it takes to build a relationship and determined it takes about 50 hours together to move from acquaintance to casual friend, 90 hours to go from casual friend to friend and more than 200 hours until someone becomes a close friend.
So, how do you go about meeting prospective acquaintances and potential close friends? It can help to opt for an activity or location that allows for consistency, so that you start to become familiar with the people there and they get to know you, too. From throwing yourself into a sociable hobby to volunteering regularly, here are some ideas on places to go if you’re looking to make friends as an adult.
- Join a book club. Talking about narrative and characters is a great way to get to know people— and to broaden your reading list! Ask around your social circles to see if there’s a book club someone can recommend, or check with your local library and area bookstores for options. If you can’t find one that’s a good fit for your interests, start your own and see what happens.
- Sign up for a creative class. Nurture your inner artist and find a class in your community where you can learn new skills and meet others with shared interests. Painting, pottery, knitting, writing, drawing, woodworking, crochet—the mind boggles at the options that are out there!
- Join a crafting circle. If you want to craft in the company of others, a crafting circle is a fun option. These gatherings encourage attendees to bring their own project and chat while they craft. To find one in your area ask around at your local libraries, community centers and craft supply shops.
- Get moving. Physical activity is a great way to burn off some stress and connect with people in your community. Whether you prefer team sports, walking/running/biking groups, or yoga and Pilates classes, pick a regular activity that boosts your heart rate and puts you in the company of others.
- Join a gardening group. People with green thumbs already have interests in common. Find a gardening group or join a community garden and see what kind of social connections take root.
- Participate in a cookbook club. It’s like a book club, but instead of plots, there are plates! If you love cooking or baking, a cookbook club offers opportunities to check out new cookbooks, experiment with new recipes and meet other chefs.
- Volunteer with an organization doing important work. Think about the causes you care about. Then, find a non-profit that fits your values and research volunteer opportunities there. To maximize your friend-meeting potential, aim for consistent volunteering so you can get to know the people who show up regularly. Learn more about volunteering in Alabama here.
Regardless of your age, you’re never too old to make new friends. It’s also never too late to reconnect with pals from yesteryear. Reach out to your network and schedule a phone call or meet-up. Who knows? They may even want to join you in the adventures above, and you can make new friends together.
