Some people find it harder to make new friends or find new activity partners as they get older. We present some activities and services to help you make new connections from the age of 50.
We can talk to friends, give each other emotional support and spend time together. Particularly as we get older, friends are also the best recipe against loneliness. Our friendships often change with the different stages of our lives. Friendships can fall apart, especially after a separation, relocation, retirement or other significant changes in our lives. And suddenly you’re faced with the challenge of finding new friends. Some people find this more difficult as they get older. Friendships simply come to you when you are younger, because a circle of friends forms almost automatically at school or university, at parties or when you regularly pursue hobbies. But later in life, you have to show more initiative to make new social connections. If you’re thinking “That’s easier said than done”, perhaps the tips in this article will help you.
If you want to start doing more activities with friends again, you should also plan a budget for this. You can keep track of your budget at all times in e-finance or the PostFinance App.
Before you start looking for new friends, it’s worth reflecting on the subject of friendship. For example, clarify for yourself the reasons you want to make new social connections in your prime. Do you want to escape a monotonous daily routine? Then perhaps you’re looking for someone to share activities with in your free time. Do you want to escape the loneliness you feel especially at weekends and on holidays? Then you might need a closer companion. If you know what you’re looking for, you will also understand your own expectations of your new connections.
Also think about why you don’t currently have any friends. Perhaps you’ve been too busy with work and family to maintain your childhood friendships? Perhaps your former partner spent more effort on maintaining friendships, and now that you live alone, you no longer have that shared connection? Perhaps you’ve never been particularly good at making new friends because you find it difficult to approach others or get involved with them? Depending on your personal situation, there are different ways to go about making new social connections. For example, do you find it easier to connect with others through voluntary work? Or are you the kind of person who thrives in large groups? You could join a hiking group, for example. Always remember that many other people feel the same way and are happy when someone approaches them.
Particularly when looking for new friends after the age of 50, you may have to muster up some courage at the beginning. To make connections with strangers, you need to be open-minded and willing to engage with other people. The most important thing is to create and take advantage of opportunities to meet people. This can happen anywhere − except by staying at home.
If you’re shy or feel unsure about approaching others, you can start by practising making contact in everyday situations. Talk to someone who seems nice on the bus, train or while shopping and chat about everyday things like the weather or your destination. This way, you can practise small talk with no fear of negative consequences. The important thing is to ask questions and show interest in the other person. Many people like to talk about themselves.
Wherever you make your initial contact, if you like the person, take the opportunity to get to know them better. Ask them if they would like to have a coffee together or go for a short walk. Did you get turned down? You have to expect this when you are the one taking the initiative. Whatever you do, don’t take it personally. The next opportunity is bound to come along, and you will meet someone who is happy to take you up on your suggestion.
Have you already met up with a person several times? Then this could be the end of a casual acquaintanceship and the beginning of a new friendship. Take time to get to know each other, but don’t overwhelm the other person. Each person has their own approach and pace.
Do you want to get started right away? The best way to find new friends and activity partners naturally depends on your personal preferences and interests. Perhaps one of the following tips will help you to find new social contacts.
Getting involved in volunteer work means doing something good for other people, the environment or your neighbourhood. But volunteering can also be an opportunity to meet new people with similar values. And this is a good basis for developing a friendship. After retirement at the latest, many people feel that they are no longer needed. This is where volunteer work can be helpful. There’s plenty to do! In Switzerland, many organizations such as Caritas, the Swiss Red Cross, Benevol Jobs, Pro Natura and many others offer the opportunity to do voluntary work.
It’s never too late to join a club. In a country that is famous for its love of clubs and associations, there are many to choose from in Switzerland. Whether you’re a fan of sport, theatre or railways – look for a club that matches your interests. You will meet like-minded people who are happy to welcome new members. And who knows: perhaps a casual acquaintance with the person sitting next to you at the club meeting will develop into a beautiful friendship.
Concerts, sewing, cookery or yoga – take part in events and courses. It’s easy to get into conversation with other visitors and participants.
Much like finding a partner – you can also make friendships via online portals.
There are special platforms for this, for example:
Another good idea is to organize something yourself, such as a neighbourhood lunch for senior citizens, a series of concerts with local amateur musicians or a gaming afternoon. You are sure to find like-minded people to help you set it up. You can make new friends quickly through joint projects.
Have your existing contacts play a part, even if you are no longer close. Do you remember a former schoolmate or a colleague from your previous workplace? Give them a call or write them an e-mail. With people you used to get on well with, you can often quickly reestablish a close rapport – as if the radio silence of the last few years never happened.
The stayfriends website, for example, helps you to find former school friends.
No matter what stage of life you are in – you will find valuable tips in our money newsletter.
By the way – if you are around 50 years old, it’s also worth taking a look at your retirement planning. We will give you personal and individualized advice.
