MeetUp – Connects Like-Minded People
I am a big fan of Meetup.com. In the last few years I have started several groups myself and made so many wonderful like-minded friends.
I have found that being very specific is the best approach. So, my “Train Lovers Group for English speaking people over 50 who live in the Zug area of Switzerland” has over 40 members! We get together every month and go on a train trip somewhere in Switzerland.
Meetup says that it brings people together to create thriving communities, and I really agree that a meetup can change your life. You can start a meetup if there is not one in your area, and you will be surprised how many people respond.
Meetup promotes your meetup to the group of people you are targeting and you then meet in a public place to explore a hobby, interest or activity. You can also search online for an existing meetup that suit your interests.
Masala Bhangra Workshops – Add Some Spice to Your Life
Bhangra is a traditional folk dance from the northern part of Punjab, India, and masala means “spicy” in Hindi.
A charismatic woman named Sarina Jain started an exercise dance class that is now offered around the world. You can join or become a teacher through the Masala Bhangra Ambassador Training program. Sarina actually modernized the Bhangra folk dance with a touch of Bollywood music and moves.
This is just one example of an exercise program that is offered around the world and gives you an opportunity to meet up with other women who love to stay fit and dance together!
Red Hat Society – Offering a Unique Friendship Club
The Red Hat Society is an international social organization that was founded in 1998 in the United States, specifically for women over 50. However, it is now open to women of all ages.
They say they are all about “play,” and they are focused on helping women to live life full of fun and adventure.
Recognizing that friendship changes as you get older, they offer a girlfriend network. With chapters across the United States, they organize a set of meetings and events that help women to feel connected and able to fight aging stereotypes.
There is a membership fee, and you can become Queen of a Chapter for your area if one is not established. Wearing a red hat – or pink if you are just getting started – is part of the identifying criteria.
Journeywoman – A Community for Older Travel Adventurers
I have known Evelyn Hannon, the founder of Journeywoman, for several years now. Her travel community is entirely online, but I love the way she has built a business model focused on sharing of information and friendship.
Her audience consists of women of all ages, and she makes it a point to encourage older women to be bold, brave and curious!
She shares tips submitted by her community of travellers so you get a much more tactile and immediate connection. Like Sixty and Me, she hopes older women will connect with other women while travelling, and establish a real sense of friendship and connection.
Rotary Club International Working for Social Change
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million people connecting like-minded individuals who want to create lasting change. They say that their 35,000+ clubs work together to fight disease and promote peace, sustainability, education and economy.
They are socially aware, and their worldwide group is focused on making the world a better place. If you have a passion for social issues and want to get involved, the Rotary Club has a process for engagement that you can join.
These are just a few of the many groups you can become a part of. They can help you start and build friendships with like-minded people.
Friendship may take some time to develop as you get a little older, but you don’t have to go it alone. There are dedicated online groups like Sixty and Me that offer online friendship and support. Why not complement that with an organized group designed for in-person collaboration and fun!
Join Senior Planet Community’ and meet new people online. The Senior Planet Community is an exclusive platform for people 60+. No matter your interest, there’s a community group for you to join. Join the conversation today. If you have any questions or need assistance with anything Senior Planet Community-related, please call the SPC Hotline at 888-479-2606 or email spc@seniorplanet.org.
Margaret Manning is a writer, entrepreneur and founder of Sixty and Me, a community for bold and fearless women who are excited to be 60 years old and who want to reinvent themselves and create a new and dynamic lifestyle.
Reprinted with permission by SixtyandMe: http://sixtyandme.com/making-friends-after-60-6-creative-groups-focused-on-building-communities/
Comments
At 68 I work full time from home, and am single. Most of the people my age are married and do not much in common with me. They like to talk about their spouses, kids and family events. I feel left out in zoom classes when all they talk about is family. I do teach a zoom class for a school district in my city and that is helpful. I’d like to meet people with whom I share interests.
I guess I am a rarity as I am a man. However, I want to meet people for social interaction. I am a happily married 78-year-old man. Getting old can be rather boring as one becomes limited in what one can and cannot do. We live in a smaller area where there is not a lot of places to socialize.
Hi Rick I had just decided that just friends didn’t have a place, when I saw your chat. Fresh air! I would love to make a friend that doesn’t just talk hair, make -up and shopping. I’ve been a widow for 3 years and realised I won’t ever ‘get over’ this, but I miss talking. If I bore you…so be it and I would regret that.
I’m a young 69 year old widow, and very much alone, no family close by. My best fried died. Would love to have someone to e-mail or chat with. I love to fish, garden and raise bees for my orchard. Would welcome male or feale pen-pals
Hi. My name is EDWARD and I am in my 70s I live a good life and work part time teaching at Community College. I have no partner and no children and at this time in my life I would like to find a travel female friend and travel partner so this is the beginning of my excellent adventure lol
Let’s talk
I’m a 69 year old woman who lives in the RGV in Texas, but my heart is in the Northeast. I’m a Bohemian who is currently writing a fun fiction book about party planning, party hosts , and some near disasters waiting to happen. The book is influenced by my many years as a party planner. I would to connect with ladies who I can chat with, share ideas and laugh with.
Hi Nancy
Just thought I would look at meeting people that would want to discuss the way life is for more mature boys and girls !
This world is changing fast and I listen to many news and documentaries but seem to not meet many persons that are happy with my open approach to friendship or even talking freely upon first contact .Seems the old world friendliness has gone into hiding. Heres hoping.
Nick B
Hi Nancy
I read your chat and thought I might take a try. I am 75 and care giver to my husband 79. Just looking to chat with someone as I get lonely sometimes. We just closed our business as we were active realtors until beginning October. I am still licensed but in no position to work at this time. If you would like drop me an email.
Hi Nancy- it’s another Nancy. I too am alone. My husband passed 8 yrs ago and sometimes I just need someone to talk to. I’m 68 and live in a small community in Northern California. I have 3 dogs and 2 mini donkeys.
I am 66 and would love to correspond. Love boating and the beach.
Hi Nancy I am also a widow its nice to meet you here. I’m a female of 66 years old and like to meet people as yourself
Hello Nancy,
I’m Donna and looking for friendships also. My mother just died and I miss her not calling me everyday/night. I could use a pen-pal as well. You have the same interest as me like fishing, gardening/ yard work. I am 63, work as a caregiver for the elderly and work part time at a hospital. Both jobs I enjoy very much.
Reach out to me if you wish.
Donna M.
Great tips! We all need to maintain social ties, regardless of age.
True. But when your a widow uness not just thst easy.
Hello just looking for friends to talk to it gets so lonely at times would be nice to have someone to talk to .
I my name is Sue, I would like to meet people to chat with. I am 66 yrs old my husband passed away July 2022 and it is pretty lonely as we are emnpty nesters
Hi RoxAnn,
I am a 72 year old male. For the first time I am experiencing loneliness since my best friend and companion of 30 years is now fighting terminal illness. I have suddenly become a full time care giver. It would be nice to have some one to talk to sometime.
Hello my name is Deb. I live in Minnesota north of MPLS. I’d like to find new friends to chat with and maybe travel with.
Hi RoxAnn,
I’m Donna and I can completely understand how you feel. I have a husband of 27 years and I’m still lonely…. I like going out to eat , shopping and more.. How about you- What are somethings you like to do?
Donna
Hi Roxann my name is Robyn and I live in Queen Creek AZ. I’m almost 69 and I to feel lonely. I would like to get out and do things but it’s not much fun doing it alone. I enjoy doing a lot of different things any where from movies, playing bingo, going to the casino, festivals just about anything fun. Robyn
Hi,
How are you? I get lonely at times too. I usually go for a walk or write but lately I’ve been feeling a little depressed. Not sure why but I could use a friend.
Good evening. I’m Kass, I feel the same way. Recently retired to a small town. I was surprised by how unfriendly people are. I’m always ready for kind words.
Good Morning!
It appears we all are here for the same reason, but do communications really go anywhere here? Are replies being received?
I totally understand. I would like to get to know others and make new friends.