How to Make New Friends

Giving back not only lowers stress levels, it can also boost your sense of purpose and increase your confidence. Whether you want to tutor students, send thank-you letters to hospital workers, make outreach phone calls, or translate for a nonprofit, there are lots of virtual opportunities available. Even when you’re volunteering from home, you’ll have a chance to connect with people one-to-one while you’re volunteering or in groups during orientation and training sessions.

A good way to test out a potential new hobby is to sign up for a class through your local library or senior center. You’ll find everything from book groups to garden clubs to exercise classes, many of them free to join and offered online.

Can’t find a group that interests you? Start one of your own! Whether you’re into knitting, classic movies or wine tasting, a group — especially one you name something fun like the Dazzling Divas — is a great way to explore a hobby and meet people at the same time. Ask people to join by posting on Facebook, reaching out to those you know who might be interested, and hanging flyers in your local coffee shop (another great place to find local groups you can join).

Dedicated to people who want to “age with attitude,” Senior Planet offers free online classes you can do without being a member. In addition to Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, and Morning Stretch classes, there are tutorials for Smartphone Photography, Finding Information Online, and Mobile Health Apps. During online classes, keep your camera on so your teachers and classmates can see and connect with you. A smile and wave to the “room” lets everyone know you’re open to making new friends.