Our human nature is to be social, that is why having friendships is an important factor in the well being of our day to day lives. We rely on our family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to maintain human connection.
As we get older, it may become harder to stay in touch with friends and acquaintances outside of our immediate family, but the effort is well worth it. Experts say that friendships are fundamental in promoting a healthy lifestyle as we age, so maintaining our friendships or making new friends as we age is incredibly important. Having a social life can help us from developing depression and loneliness, and improve our cognitive health and memory, boost our physical health and immunity, and even help us live longer.
There are many ways to meet new friends or maintain current friendships! If you are looking for ways to make new connections in your community, here are some suggestions:
Take a new class:
Community centers and senior centers often offer free classes in a variety of topics, from art to fitness. Consider trying something new and signing up to get to know new people with similar interests or reconnect with acquaintances. View our Events Calendar for classes near you!
Join a club:
If you enjoy reading, join a book club. If you want to be held accountable for exercising regularly, join a fitness program. Whatever your interest, find a group that will make it more fun and give you an opportunity to meet new people.
Volunteer:
Volunteering brings people together and it often means we have an opportunity to meet people of different backgrounds to work on a common goal. It is a great way to get more in touch with your community and give back to those less fortunate. You can often volunteer through local churches, community organizations, or at annual events in your town.
We hope you take the time to get social and make new connections with your community!
Find local classes and events, view our Events Calendar.
