Making Friends After Retirement
When you're younger, it seems you can't wait until retirement. After all, who wants to deal with going to work every day and coping with coworkers and a boss? However, many people overlook the opportunities for socialization that working provides. You get out of the house and see people -- apart from your family -- with whom you can converse. Many retirees find that life can be a bit boring after the job ends, primarily because they don't have access to the same level of socialization as they once did.
Making friends can keep you active and healthy. If you're a bit rusty in the friend-making department, it's pretty much how it was when you were younger. You simply must find individuals who have similar interests and goals.
* Volunteer in your community and you're bound to find potential friends who are like-minded.
* Take classes at a college or university. Many offer free or discounted rates for seniors. This is a great way to meet people of all ages and walks of life.
* Attend clubs at senior centers or houses of worship. It's likely that there are plenty of other people looking for relationships.
* Think about your interests. If you like fishing, sewing or boating, join a club that caters to those interests. Others who share your hobbies will be there.
* If you're new to an area, host an open-house party and invite neighbors in for introductions and some socialization.
* Join a social networking site online. You can connect with people, potentially individuals who live close by.
* Ask existing friends if they have other friends to whom they can introduce you. FP105435