Make Friends After 50

by judy laner

Making friends during life phases from growing up to college to your first job all came very natural. It was the source of your life. As you get older, after the kids are out of the house, you have moved, or even after a divorce later in life, making connections seems harder.

But it truly can be the best time—it’s almost a rebirth. You have more time on your hands to figure out what you like to do, spend time doing those things, and build friendships from those activities. Just remember to be open to talking to people and take a chance. Give it time and friendships will blossom.

1. JOIN A CLUB THAT HAS A SOCIAL COMPONENT.

Try one such as East Bank Club or Midtown. Take classes where you will see the same people weekly.

2. SIGN UP FOR CLASSES THROUGH YOUR COMMUNITY ART CENTER.
Art can be fun even if you aren’t good at it.

3. SIGN UP FOR CARD LESSONS.

Find canasta, bridge, or mah jong classes at your local library or try word of mouth.

4. SIGN UP FOR CONTINUING STUDIES CLASSES.

Local universities offer dozens of courses, and your peers will share similar interests as you.

5. JOIN A COOKING CLASS.

There are classes that are offered as a series as opposed to just one night.

6. TAKE A CLASS AT SECOND CITY.

They offer writing classes as well as improv.

7. VOLUNTEER AT A CHARITY ORGANIZATION.

Ones such as PAWS and Gilda’s Club have plenty of opportunities to be involved year-round on a regular basis.

8. JOIN A RUNNING CLUB. Sports stores such as Fleet Feet offer weekly running clubs.

9. THE CHICAGO FILM SOCIETY. This group arranges gatherings to watch and discuss movies.

10. FIND A TRAVEL GROUP. Find travel enthusiast groups on websites such as Meetup.

11. EXPLORE MEET UP. Download the app and peruse the different groups until you find a few that you connect with.

Give it a try, push yourself, and sign up for something.
Your life will become enriched, and you just might make a new friend.

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