No Friends in Retirement? Here’s the Simple Fix!
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- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
- Are you struggling to make friends in retirement? Many retirees find their social circles shrinking after leaving the workforce, but the good news is-you CAN build new friendships, and it’s easier than you think!
In this video, I break down exactly how to make real friends in retirement by finding activities you love and connecting with like-minded people. Staying home won’t help-but getting out there will!
I’ll share:
✅ Why your social circle shrinks in retirement
✅ The #1 mistake that keeps retirees lonely
✅ A simple step-by-step method to make real friends
✅ The best places to meet people-Senior Centers, Meetups, Active Adult Communities & more!
✅ How social activities also help you stay physically active and healthy
If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I make friends in retirement?”-this video is your answer!
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💬 What’s your favorite social activity in retirement? Drop a comment below!
#RetirementFriends #MakingFriends #retirement
#friends #friendship #nofriends #retirementactivities
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I live in a rural area, not an active community. I like to go hiking, camping, fishing and painting. I do these regularly and have never met anyone. There are no Meetups where I live, only hours away. You make it sound easy. It’s not.
It sounds like you have some great hobbies! I grew up in a very rual area, we only had 52 people in my HS for the entire county! Being in a rural area can make it tougher to meet people, but I wonder if there are local hiking or fishing clubs, even informally. Sometimes outdoor stores, libraries, or community boards have info on small local groups. Have you ever considered starting a small group yourself?
I am part of a great church family, all my friends are in my church and some go to other churches. Friends for life. ❤
That’s wonderful! Having a strong church family can be such a great source of friendship and support. It’s amazing how shared faith and values can create lifelong bonds. Do you all do any activities or gatherings outside of church services?
I started walking with a group in my community. I enjoy the banter and camaraderie, and ... it just happens to be healthy, too.
That’s awesome! A walking group is such a great way to stay active and build friendships at the same time. The camaraderie makes it even more enjoyable! How did you first get involved with the group?
I'm 70.... and am Very Glad I don't have any friends.
That’s really interesting! A lot of people feel that way, and I’d love to understand more about why. What do you enjoy most about not having friends? Do you think it’s a personality preference, past experiences, or just a desire for peace and independence? Or...?
I’m 65 dealt with hundreds and thousands of people through my younger and middle ages I’m done I talk to Random people out about a couple minutes I’m good !
@@billywayne902 I hear you! After years of interacting with so many people, I can understand wanting to keep things simple. Sometimes a short chat with a stranger is all you need. Appreciate you sharing your perspective!
Volunteer for something important to you. People who also volunteer tend to be really good folks.
Great advice! Volunteering is such a great way to meet kind, like-minded people while making a difference. Have you found a volunteer opportunity that’s been especially meaningful for you?
@@RobertsActiveRetirement In my case it is FIRST Robotics Competition. In addition to the other volunteers, I really enjoy working with the high school students.
@@UnlikelyToRemember That sounds amazing! FIRST Robotics is such a fantastic program, and I bet it’s incredibly rewarding to work with both the students and fellow volunteers. It must be exciting to see the students' creativity and problem-solving skills in action. What’s been the most memorable part of your experience so far?
The sad situation I have experienced is that the friends I made after retirement have died. Somewhat easy to make friends before age 70. Now at age 81 there are few interested in the activities of interest to me. Another adverse situation is my wife past away. Married folks have little interest in making friends with widowed persons.
Craig, I will be turning 77 soon so I can relate to what you are saying. My wife and I have been married almost 52 years and sometimes when we ask a single friend to do something, they feel like they are infringing or something. I tell them we are in the same boat, and they get over it. But I know that is a situation. The singles group in my community has about 400 members and they do stuff today and have many events. I will say again, senor centers are great. Have you considered that?
You know, I think it is also is harder for us older men to make friends than it is for women.
Good advice! I add volunteer and go for a walk.
That’s fantastic! Volunteering and walking are both great ways to stay active and meet new people. Do you have a favorite volunteer activity or walking spot? PS: I love walking!
With family members it’s never a discussion. I only have one or two siblings that are in my genre of politics. With friends and social activities sadly, I find that I gravitate towards those of like mind and rarely find myself in the company of others not :/
I hear you-politics can make social interactions tricky, especially with family. It’s natural to gravitate toward like-minded people, but sometimes sharing activities and common interests can help bridge the gap. I think it boils down to having respect for others. Have you ever found a way to connect with people outside your political views through hobbies or shared experiences
You’re right about activities. How about a person that lost everything right after you met? Would you still want to be friends?
That would be tough. But I guess that person really would need a friend. I see your point, if a person that you recently met had a hard time, yes I think that would make the situation more difficut.
Great information! To have a friend, be a friend!
That's the real challenge, to keep it going and be there. Be a friend to make a friend. So true! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Great video, and advice. Thanks 🙏🏼
Thank you! 🙏🏼 I’m really glad you found it helpful. Have you tried any of these tips yourself?
Hang out at a bar, nize cosy saloon, and stick to soda water (splash of cranberry) and coffee.
Trust me. Best place to watch life happen.
I like that! 53 years ago I was sitting at a bar at happy hour taking to an older couple, then they introduced me to two girls sitting on the other side of them. Music started and I asked Mary Ann to dance. She said yes. We were married 7 months later. In August that will be 53 years ago!
@@RobertsActiveRetirement hah, right on! also, tip like you're booz'n. and bring a newspaper.
good advice - go out and do the things you like to do - there are others in the same boat, but start with something…. volunteer.
Exactly! Taking that first step is key-whether it’s volunteering, joining a group, or just getting out for a walk. Have you found a favorite way to connect with others? My wife found a wonderful friend while volunteering for the local hospital. She was another voluteer. Even though we move away 8 years ago now to our retirement community, then still stay in touch and meet once a month for lunch to catch up.
Get out. There are people out there. Good advice!
Yes! There’s a whole world of opportunities out there if we just take that first step. What’s your favorite way to stay socially active?
Join a Meetup group. Plenty of people who share common hobbies and interests.
Great suggestion! Meetup groups are an awesome way to find like-minded people. Have you joined any that you’ve really enjoyed? Before I moved, I joined a meetup discussion group and really enjoyed the 12 other people attending. Discussing things really makes you feel like you get to know people.
@@RobertsActiveRetirement Yes. When I was trying to learn Spanish I met a lot of nice people trying to do the same thing in a Meetup group.
@ That’s awesome! Meetup groups can be such a great way to connect with like-minded people. Did you stick with Spanish, or was the social aspect the best part of the experience?
That's assuming a person has social skills. This has become extremely unlikely in the US. Most people love to talk and never listen. The art of conversation is rare. Friends have been replaced with social media and conspiracy theories. Finding another person who aligns with your conspiracy theories is unlikely. And OMG if you disagree with anyone on any point they have it's war. Conversation which allows for different points of view is very rare.
You can try and keep it all as small talk and if that's a "friendship" for you then great. I personally don't really like small talk.
You bring up an interesting point. It does seem like true conversation-where people actually listen and engage-is becoming rarer. Social media has changed how we interact, but I still believe meaningful friendships are possible. I took a cruise with a neighbor of mine and he was the best listener. He would ask just a couple of questions to passengers we met and they would talk for a couple of hours! Have you found any ways to connect with good listeners or like-minded people?
I think your "friends" are really "acquaintances."
That’s a fair point! Acquaintances can sometimes turn into true friends over time. And I think I have achieved that with some of my walking group friends. It all starts with putting yourself out there and making connections. Have you found ways to turn acquaintances into close friends?
I have seen classic workaholics define their life by their career. They fail to invest in relationships, community involvements and common group interests and then BOOM, job and career ends and their feet in the headlights. They don’t realize their past work relationships were “situational friendships” and BOOM the situation ended and “friends” don’t call. Work is very important but not the whole of life.
You nailed it! Very well said. So many people pour everything into their careers, only to realize too late that their work relationships were just 'situational friendships.' It’s a tough wake-up call, but the good news is that it’s never too late to start building real, lasting connections. I just hate that they think since they were disappointed in those work "friends" but throw the baby out with the baby water so to speak, and give up on friends. Have you seen anyone successfully navigate this transition?
Retirement can feel lonely, but small steps can make a big difference! Have you tried this simple fix in your own life? Let me know what works for you in staying socially connected! 👇😊 #RetirementLife #StayConnected
Absolutely brilliant advice - thank you!
Yes, that's the way to get friends. Sorry I repeated the message so many times, but it's not complicated. Thank you very much!
@@RobertsActiveRetirement Thanks to you I am determined to go to line dancing class today!
@@kandismueller830 That is wonderful! Line dancing is a wonderful activity and so much fun. Plus it is socialble. Have fun and let us know how it goes!
Thank you for your video. I gotta say it’s a little tricky these days with politics being the way it is. It’s so divisive. I know it’s best to avoid talking politics, which I do practice but it seems like there is so much stuff going on lately it’s kinda hard not too. What say you?
You’re absolutely right-things feel more divisive than ever, and it can be tricky to navigate. I’ve found that focusing on shared interests, hobbies, and positive conversations helps build real connections without the stress of politics. It’s not always easy, but sometimes a simple walk, a shared activity, or a good laugh can go a long way. How do you approach it in your own social circles?
Also, after being written off by a couple of people, and myself writing off a friend for those reasons, I regret doing that, something that can not be undone. And it really was not worth it. My mistake, live and learn. I do know you can be friends and have very different views of things.
tell jokes and you will have friends 😆
so true!
It's amazing to me the people taking pride in having no friends in retirement. They say they don't like people and enjoy the solitude. The people at work turned out not to be friends at all. They don't want the drama, the gossip, the egos, the betrayals, etc. How about you?
None of my friends made it to retirement, that's why sadly.
Oh, I think you are saying that didn't live long enough to retire? Or not able financially to retire and enjoy it maybe. It's hard loosing friends.
I have no use for friends. They just turn around and crap on you.
Many people feel the same way! Unforturely people can be disappointing at time. They seems to try to be nicer in retirement, but at the end of the day, people are people. Thanks for commenting!
Wanna a great friend who’s always happy to see you, very protective, and loyal to the death?
Go adopt a shelter dog.
You’re so right-dogs really are man’s best friend! There’s nothing like coming home to a wagging tail and unconditional love. Shelter dogs especially have so much love to give and just need a second chance. Not sure you can say the same about cats.. Ha. Sounds like you have a special dog. What kind?
You have to get out of the house
Yep, no one every knocked on your door and asked to be you friend.
The best solution to have friends in retirement is to keep working. Many people find that their real family and friends are in their workplace.
Bunch of fools
I have heard that, your family is those closest to you, not necessarily birth related. You can make your family. Yes, I have heard that a few times and agree that will work. Thanks for commenting!
Sounds like you don't miss working! I don't either. I love retirement. Thanks for commenting.
near retirement (almost 66) and have made only two friends from all my work contracts. One still remains and the other, we had a parting of ways sadly. There were so many others I had such a good time with. I just couldn't fathom why the friendship wouldn't continue beyond the work environment. They all ended either quickly or slowly once they or myself moved on.
I m enjoying no friends!! Ha
Taking time for yourself is a thing. Thanks for commenting!
A lot of people feel that way, and I’d love to understand more about why. What do you enjoy most about not having friends? Do you think it’s a personality preference, past experiences, or just a desire for peace and independence?
What is you don't like doing things with other people? 🥴
Not sure of your quesiton? I do like doing things with other people. Doing activities you like with other people who like the same activity, is the way to make friends.
I am sorry, I reread your comment and think I misunderstood the first time. I think you can still be friends. My wife is close friends with a lady she used to work with 20 years ago. She lives an hour away but they talk on the phone and text. Once every month or two they meet half way and go to the bookstore and then have lunch. They exchange books. They still hit it off. Long distance friends in retirement is a thing.