Seniors looking to meet other seniors have many options when it comes to making social contacts. Whether it's social media, online, or in person, you can find others who share your interests and expand your social circle.
12 Places Seniors Can Meet People
Senior centers offer plenty of opportunities to meet people, but sometimes you need to think out of the box in order to avoid getting into a rut. One of the following places, and perhaps more than one will likely capture your interest and provide a chance to meet someone special. Try a few of them to find the most comfortable fit.
Senior Dancing Event
Going ballroom dancing might not immediately jump to mind as a way to meet other seniors, but with the right event, it can be an ideal way to make new friends and even get some exercise. For example, Starlight Dance Center puts on dancing events especially for seniors, and the best part is that you don't have to have a partner to attend. No matter what your level of mobility happens to be, they design the event so everyone has an opportunity to dance. Who knows? You and one of your partners might really hit it off. In addition to contacting your local parks and rec center you can search:
- DVPNYC which has great free senior dances and a 36-week program that culminates with a performance. This is offered throughout New York and Long Island.
- Arlington Heights puts on a variety of classes including ballroom dance, Zumba, line dance, flamenco, and tap dancing across Illinois. These classes and programs are offered throughout the week during the day time and evenings and are a great place to meet people.
- LA Parks puts on free senior dances in 29 senior centers throughout Los Angeles. In addition to dances, they also offer Zumba and line dancing classes.
Gardening Club
Whether you enjoy growing flowers, vegetables, or ornamental shrubs, joining a gardening club can help you meet others who share your interests. Many of these clubs have monthly meetings that give members a chance to get to know each other as well as improve their gardening skills. If you meet someone you really like, the two of you can make plans to visit each other's gardens and have a few refreshments. Contact your local horticultural society to find out if there's a group for seniors in your area. Gardening clubs can be found:
- The Shawnee Senior Center, a nonprofit in Oklahoma, offers a beautiful greenhouse and garden that seniors can use year round.
- The National Garden Clubs are located across the United States and also offers 330 international affiliates. This group is not just for those interested in gardening, but also for those who want to attend meetings, listen to speakers, attend flower shows, and attend courses.
Seniors Travel Group
Go on a day trip or set off for an exotic location with a group of your peers via a senior travel group. There's plenty of time to talk while you travel to your destination, and a shared adventure means there's always something to keep the conversation going. If you chose a travel group that caters to singles, you have an even better chance of striking up a romantic relationship if that's what you're looking for.
Seniors Cruise
Much like joining a travel group, going on a seniors cruise offers the opportunity to meet a lot of people in an entertaining setting. Food, music, dancing, and a host of other activities, both onboard and onshore, give seniors a variety of ways to interact and develop friendships. If you're really lucky, you might even wind up having an onboard romance.
The Golf Course
Many seniors enjoy golfing, so your local golf course is another good place to make new friends. Spending time at the clubhouse enjoying a refreshment or two after a round will give you a chance to meet other people who share your passion for the sport. You could make a date to play together, which would give you a lot of time to get to know each other as you play the course.
A Seniors Fitness Class
Many seniors try to stay fit by exercising or doing yoga, and it's a lot more fun to exercise as a group. Gyms such as 24 Hour Fitness, Tivity Health, and the YMCA offer classes specifically for seniors. The nice thing about exercising together is that there's no pretense. Once you've sweated together, it's easier to focus on more than just appearances. It's also a good excuse to invite someone out for a drink after class.
Social Media
There are tons of places for seniors to meet using social media. Some nice friendships can be created online. Take a look at:
- Facebook: There are numerous Facebook pages for various seniors-oriented groups. If you decide to take an online friendship to the next level and meet in person, just be careful doing so.
- Meetup: This site lets you search for your interest and/or age group and connect with like-minded people online and in person. Organized events include outdoor activities, restaurant tastings, cooking, learning groups, and much more.
- Twitter: This site is also another great place to chat with seniors who share similar interests. You can follow handles that pertain to seniors such as @senioronline. Although you can meet up with people you build relationships with online, use precaution when doing so.
Local Theater Group
Joining a local theater group can be a fantastic experience. Seniors often work as ushers for performances, but they can also act, work on sets, work the concessions stand, and perform other tasks. There's a lot of camaraderies to be found in a group like this, and there's usually a party to celebrate the end of a production. You'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know other seniors in the group, but the after parties are the place to really relax and have fun.
Church Senior Groups
Many churches have groups just for seniors. These groups usually focus on fellowship, but they also provide a lot of fun and entertainment. Sometimes the group takes day trips by bus, and the church offers excursions to the theater, restaurants, museums, and other amusing destinations. Looking for companionship within your own senior's church group automatically gives you something in common with the people you'll be interacting with, and common ground is the cornerstone of a solid relationship.
School Reunions
Every school reunion offers a golden opportunity to reconnect with old friends and possibly old flames who are currently single. Many reunions have events spaced out over an entire weekend, such as a picnic or a "meet and greet," so plan to attend more than just the main event. This will give you an opportunity to feel more comfortable with your former classmates and decide if there's anyone you want to stay in contact with after the reunion is over.
Volunteering
If you're retired or simply have extra time on your hands, consider volunteering your time to help others. The AARP lists a number of groups where seniors can volunteer, and this will put you in touch with other seniors who care about some of the same things you do. This can be an excellent foundation for future friendships.
Join a Book Club for Seniors
If you love a good read and enjoy talking to other people about it, a book club offers a way to share your passion and make new friends. Check with your local senior center and public library to see if either source offers a club especially for senior citizens.
Follow Your Own Interests to Meet Other Seniors
Your ultimate goal may be to meet other seniors, but it's important that you try to meet those people via activities that truly interest you. Otherwise, you might come off a little desperate for companionship. When you're doing something you enjoy, the very best "you" shines through for others to see, and that's bound to attract other like-minded people that you can connect with, whether you're just trying to make new friends or you're looking for a deeper relationship.
