You must have noticed that forging new friendships in your 60s has gotten harder. However, it does not mean that it is impossible to happen. You probably have made new connections at every single workplace you used to work at or at the new neighborhood that you moved to. However, for most older adults, they often find it hard to invest the time to develop and maintain new and meaningful relationships as they get older. Nevertheless, making friends in your 60s can be incredibly rewarding for your mental health. Here are some tips that we have put together to help you make it happen.
Lack of Social Interaction
The fading of social interaction is the main reason behind why it has gotten harder to make friends in your retirement. Studies have shown that Americans spend most of their time socializing when they are in their 20s. As they reach their 30s, this figure drops and it further plunges when they hit their 40s. The reason behind this trend is mostly because of other commitments like family and work and this shows that as you age, you are spending even lesser time for social interaction.
Loneliness and its Effects
There has been mounting evidence that shows how loneliness is linked to poor mental health. Individuals who have feelings of loneliness or isolation are more likely to face issues with their weight and are more prone to engage in unhealthy habits like smoking. This group of individuals also has a higher risk of developing stroke by 32 percent and heart disease by 29 percent. Yes, you read that right. Smoking or being overweight have risks that are on par with being lonely.
Making Friends in Your 60s
As we get older, it gets even more challenging to make friends. This is especially true as the workplace is one of the easiest ways to meet new people. Research shows that retirees show the highest signs of disengaging from traditional means of social relationships. So, what can you do? Below are some tips to help you forge new friendships in your 60s.
Find Out Your Personal Interests and Find Others Who Share Them
Common interests are one of the strongest hallmarks of friendship. If you are looking to make friends in retirement, find people who enjoy doing the things that you love through these avenues:
- Join a Club: Regardless of your personal interests, you are bound to find someone else who enjoys doing what you love at an interest club.
- Adopt a Dog: When you walk your dog at the park, you are bound to start talking to other dog owners and that is when you will start to make new friends.
- Volunteer: There are many local community centers that are always seeking volunteers. You can give back to the community while meeting new people.
- Get a Part-Time Job: Work part-time at a place where you will get to have fun. You will get to do something you enjoy while meeting new people and getting a side income while at it.
