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Loneliness is an epidemic that affects people of all ages. But baby boomers in particular may feel isolated as they reach the empty nest stage and enter retirement. This can become even more apparent as the holidays approach, which is why knowing how to combat holiday loneliness, and loneliness in general is essential. To stave off feelings of isolation, it’s important to stay busy and find new outlets for socialization. Here are 14 fun group activities to consider trying.
1. Volunteer
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Volunteering for a cause you care about can help give you a sense of purpose and meet new people who may become friends. Animal shelters, religious organizations, food banks, and soup kitchens are all great places to donate your time. Websites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist can help baby boomers find a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in their area.
2. Attend Cultural Events
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Cultural events such as free museum days, local theater performances, music festivals, and fundraisers can be both enriching and social. You’ll get to enjoy the arts and strike up conversations with like-minded peers, which may lead to meaningful connections. Both AAA and Groupon offer discounts on tickets, allowing you to attend fun local events without breaking the bank.
3. Try a New Hobby
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Exploring new hobbies or revisiting old ones you used to enjoy will keep your mind sharp and give you a chance to bond with others over shared interests. Consider signing up for an instructional class to sharpen your skills or look for hobby groups like book clubs and craft circles on Meetup.com.
4. Join Online Forums
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In this day and age, you don’t even have to leave the house to be social! Websites like Facebook and Reddit have online forums for just about every interest, including woodworking, cooking, and gardening. You’ll be able to share photos of your projects and engage in discussions with people from all over the world without leaving your living room.
5. Attend Alumni Events
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If you’re a college graduate, consider attending alumni events or reunions. These gatherings can be a great way to reconnect with old classmates and reminisce about the fun times you shared during your university days.
6. Foster or Adopt a Pet
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Pets provide companionship and unconditional love, which can help stave off feelings of loneliness and lower your stress levels. Dogs in particular encourage their owners to stay active because they need to be walked and played with frequently. Consider fostering or adopting a pet from a local shelter so you can enjoy the benefits of having a furry friend by your side.
7. Join a Sports League
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If you enjoy sports, consider joining a local recreational team. Whether it’s softball, tennis, golf, or bowling, participating in sports can be a fun way to meet new people and stay active. Even if you’re not a fan of organized sports, you may enjoy joining a local gym and taking group fitness classes like Zumba or yoga.
8. Join a Walking or Hiking Group
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Connect with nature and fellow outdoor enthusiasts by joining a walking or hiking group in your area. Exploring scenic trails with others your age will help boost your mood and improve your physical fitness and endurance. If you prefer a climate-controlled environment, look for a mall walking group at your local shopping center or find an indoor track to walk around instead.
9. Become a Mentor
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Another great way to fight loneliness is to get involved in programs or initiatives that bring people of different ages together, such as intergenerational sports leagues, community service projects, or mentoring programs. For example, SCORE needs small business experts to provide advice to budding entrepreneurs. If you enjoy working with kids and teens, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is always looking for volunteers to mentor youth.
10. Host Game Nights
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Enjoy some friendly competition by inviting your loved ones or neighbors over for a board game night. If your relatives are spread out across the country, you can use video chatting software like Zoom to host a virtual gathering instead. Alternatively, your local board game store or library may have in-person gaming groups you can join.
11. Learn a New Language
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Challenge yourself to learn a new language by taking classes or using instructional apps like Duolingo. You can also join language exchange groups to practice with native speakers and meet people from diverse backgrounds. If there aren’t any conversation clubs in your area, you can use websites like Language Share and Speaky to find an online language exchange partner.
12. Go On a Group Trip
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Going on a group trip is a great way to save money by splitting travel costs. If you don’t have any family or friends to vacation with, you may be able to join a group trip organized by a travel company or local church. Or go on a cruise for retirees to meet new travel buddies who share your love of culture and adventure.
13. Join a Choir
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If you enjoy singing, consider joining a choir or singing group in your community. Lifting your voice in song with others not only brings joy and camaraderie, but also provides an outlet for creative expression.
14. Take Up Dancing
Whether it’s ballroom, salsa, or the tango, dancing is a fun and social activity that promotes physical fitness and coordination. Join a dance class or club to learn new moves and find dance partners.
Making Friends Takes Persistence for Baby Boomers
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To make new friends, you have to be persistent and willing to step outside of your comfort zone. You won’t find your tribe unless you put yourself out there and strike up conversations with strangers at community events. You may experience some rejections along the way, but if you stay the course, you’ll be able to develop a social circle that shares your interests and values.
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Vicky Monroe is a freelance personal finance and lifestyle writer. When she’s not busy writing about her favorite money saving hacks or tinkering with her budget spreadsheets, she likes to travel, garden, and cook healthy vegetarian meals.