Friendship is one of the keys to a fulfilling, healthy life, at any age. Yet as we grow older, opportunities to meet new people can sometimes feel less available. Whether you’re a senior or the adult child of someone who could use a social boost, encouraging connection is one of the most valuable things you can do. With so many enriching social activities for seniors today, finding meaningful companionship is more possible than ever.
At The Arbors and The Ivy, we believe that socializing in retirement should be joyful, easy, and woven into everyday life.
How to Make Friends in Retirement
Here are five meaningful ways to help your parent—or yourself—build lasting connections and enjoy the golden years surrounded by friendship.
1. Encourage participation in group programs
One of the simplest and most effective ways to build senior friendships is by joining community activities. Group programs, such as art classes, fitness groups, or book clubs, create natural opportunities for people to connect over shared interests.
Communities often offer a range of social activities designed to suit different personalities and preferences. From morning exercise and card games to spiritual services and themed socials, there’s always something happening to encourage interaction in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re a senior, the best way to start is by showing up—consistency helps build comfort and familiarity. If you’re a family member, help your parents explore the monthly calendar and attend a few events together until they find their rhythm.
2. Invite others to shared meals
Meals are a universal way to bond. Sharing food brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates routine opportunities for connection. In a senior living community with restaurant-style dining, residents can meet new people simply by choosing a new seat at lunch or joining a themed dinner night.
If you’re wondering how to make friends in retirement, try this: sit at a different table for each meal for a week. Or, extend an invitation to someone you haven’t spoken to before. You’d be surprised how quickly a casual coffee conversation can become a daily connection.
Adult children can also support this by visiting during meals, encouraging introductions, or helping their parents feel more comfortable walking into a lively dining room.
3. Join or start a senior social group
Senior social groups are a great way to build lasting friendships around shared hobbies. Whether it’s knitting, gardening, music, or walking clubs, belonging to a specific group gives structure and meaning to social time.
If your parent lives in a senior community, encourage them to explore existing groups. The staff is always happy to help connect residents with similar interests. And if a group they’re interested in doesn’t exist, support is often available to help start one.
Seniors reading this should think about their passions. There’s a good chance someone nearby shares them. All it takes is one invitation to get something started.
4. Take part in intergenerational events
One of the most heartwarming ways to build connections is by bridging the gap between generations. At The Arbors and The Ivy, we love hosting family events and intergenerational activities where residents can spend time with grandchildren, younger visitors, and even school or community volunteers.
These events strengthen family ties and create new friendships through shared experiences. If you’re a family member, consider bringing a child or grandchild to a community event—this kind of bonding often draws others in and builds a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Intergenerational programs can help seniors feel part of something bigger, creating a sense of purpose and joy.
5. Lean on community support
Sometimes, making new friends can feel overwhelming, especially if someone is shy or has experienced recent loss. That’s where a supportive, welcoming community can make all the difference.
Senior living communities should be more than just places to live—they should be places where friendships thrive. Staff members play a key role in getting to know each resident and fostering connections based on shared interests, backgrounds, and personalities. With dedicated team members, some with decades of experience, these communities aim to ensure everyone feels included and supported.
Seniors wondering how to take that first step should not hesitate to ask a staff member for help getting involved. For adult children, know that your parent is not navigating this alone—our team is here to support their journey toward a vibrant social life.
How do seniors meet other seniors?
It starts with proximity and purpose. Living in a senior community with built-in events, shared meals, and common spaces makes meeting others organically easier. The key is participating—whether through a club, fitness class, or friendly hello in the hallway.
Joining group outings or riding the community bus to a scheduled event can lead to new conversations and connections. Shared routines turn into shared friendships.
Where is the best place for seniors to meet seniors?
The best place is often a lively, supportive community where social opportunities are part of everyday life. From organized programming to spontaneous socializing, residents have countless chances to meet others, form bonds, and truly enjoy life together.
Friendships blossom when people feel welcomed and included, whether over coffee, through a painting class, or during an evening event.
Ready to build new friendships?
We believe friendships are essential to living well at The Arbors and The Ivy. Whether you’re helping a parent make connections or seeking companionship yourself, our communities are here to support every step.
Contact us today at 860.698.8613 or online to learn more about our vibrant social calendars and the many ways we help people build lasting connections. Let’s make friendship part of your next chapter.