4 Simple Ways to Find New Friends After 50 

I've done all those things, but no one reciprocates my interest or invitations. Everyone is too busy. Empty nest was hard; then, when you retire, all your "friends" from work are not interested anymore. So I just gave up and went ahead and started doing everything alone. I realized that I can't wait around for someone else to go out with as life is short. When I travel, I do meet kindred spirits but, of course, they are scattered around the world. Most of my friendships now are virtual. Yes, Margaret, you fulfill a very important role for many of us. It's important work you do.

When I retired, I had to meet all new friends and looked forward to it. I went to the senior center, joined yoga classes, took bridge lessons, and volunteer ed at church. I have met so many wonderful ladies and have a whole set of new friends. It's so comforting to me🎈

When my dog was a pup I started taking him to the dog park. 8 years later I have met some wonderful people. We meet up regularly for lunch, movies, night outs and of course Christmas parties (for both humans and pups). We ring each other regularly and go to different parks or beaches. I honestly didn’t think u would make such wonderful friends just by taking my dog to the park!

It's great to see an older RU-vidr. There's space for everyone on RU-vid. Keep up the good work!

Remember our first or early friendships with people at school then work. If we had met them in a different environment we might never be friends. Often we think we need our worldview to match for a friend to really be a friend, but in reality we often like or bond with a new person just because of common circumstances. Spending time together, slowly developing a connection, this repetition, or seeing them regularly makes all the difference. We bond with those whom we see consistently people in the same proximity. Until we see someone often we can not create a closeness.

I've met most new friends by taking classes- cooking, classes at the gym. Also thru volunteering. I think it's a lot easier to meet people if your body is healthy. It's much harder for people suffering with illnesses. Many don't want to leave the house.

I have looked into Meet up. The meet up groups are in the city which is far away. The church groups for women meet in the mornings when I am working. I moved here last year and I made a friend talking to a lady who works in a store. I started a conversation with her about cosmetics since she is in that department. She is new in the area too and we found common interests.

I never married and do not have children. It is hard to find {close, loyal} friends for companionship Chemistry has to be there for friendship too! Not everyone connects. Thank you for this video.

I enjoyed your discussion. Bottom Line Up Front: Get out of your house. The world won't come knocking on your door. You have to seek opportunities to meet people in order to develop friendships. People spend too much time waiting. Developing friendships takes action, initiative, and effort on the individual's part. Get involved in your community through volunteering such as Habitat for Humanity, the Food Bank, a local shelter/kitchen for the disadvantaged, take adult education classes like a language, gardening, dancing class, or join a running/walking club. Some college alumni associations have travel programs where you can take trips with people who attended the same university. There is much out in the world so long as one is willing to step out of the house. Your comments are spot on! Thank you!

Good morning, Margaret. I wish we could have a meet up. I would gladly give you a big hug. I feel you are already a special friend as you share so beautifully in each of your morning talks. Thanks for all you share and for this great community.

I am soon to be 54 and just watching your video, and perusing the responses has helped. After living my entire life in one state, I moved with my partner to another 6 months ago, and I am feeling the sting of not having much success forming new friendships. It’s true, even my few friendships over the years have changed, because people’s lives have changed, priorities have changed etc. I’m a painter, a massage therapist, a motorcycle rider, a tea totaller, a nature lover..lots of varied interests, but like some of the folks here have mentioned, the people who live here that I’ve met, seem to be happy in their groups, and reticent about letting outsiders in...such a strange phenomenon. I’m trying to be proactive in being involved, but it can be very discouraging when you put yourself out there and things seem to fall flat. My partner is wonderful, and seems to be content with just having ME as a friend, but my life has always been more enriched by a few good people. I love your suggestion about cultivating your own passions first and not have the primary focus be the people. Maybe if I let go of the idea of actively looking for friendships and loosen the reins a bit on that, then things might come a little easier. Thanks to you and everyone who commented here.

I love going to the library, they have many socializing opportunities such as crochet club, book clubs, and so many arts and crafts classes!

I’ve been trying to filter my RU-vid algorithms to more positive videos and it’s always so relaxing and comforting just to hear your voice, Margaret, and the positive things you have to say. Thank you. 😊

I have two friends who are thirty years younger they don’t live near me we met when I was a mature student, we message sometimes internet chat more or less every day . We talk about anything and everything. It helps me feel less isolated on bad days share laughs on good. I speak to these ladies more than anyone else in my life gotta love the modern age.

I think getting to know and understand yourself is so important. All my friendships from the past (i have Im migrated twice) were contextual, college, children, work…all wonderful people. I just turned 60, still working, online these days. Knowing who you are and making friends with yourself first is key I believe…self care etc. Reaching out from that solid footing is easier…maybe? Thank you for the reminder!

I`m planning on starting up a "sisters" group up in my own back yard. I have been envisioning this for quite some time. When I was in junior high school I always loved art class. Instead of sitting at a typical desk, we all sat around long tables in groups and immersed ourselves in the creative process. Cool tunes were always playing in the background in a relaxing social atmosphere. We unleashed our creative process and entered a meditative state, where you spontaneously go to that special place of ignited passion. You are dancing with your purpose and the payback is immense. I think what really is lacking in a lot of peoples lives is true passion. If all you are doing is just stagnating in your life, your fire is dwindling as you haven`t tended to it and there is a loss of energy experienced. It`s healthy to get fired up~ The creative process is the way to this path. The relationships forged through this process are true connections which feed and sustain us. Creating also helps us to work out our "stuff" so we can "refresh" and wipe the slate clean so to speak. I plan to connect with others, under the pretense of immersing in the wellspring of life that sustains us all~ for where we want for nothing. What gives us sustenance is an "energy force", and I intend to get back to that place of "play" that sustained us all in childhood. "Friends" are those that we share this energy source with, we share, care and connect. To be truly happy we all need ~Something to love ~Something to do & ~Something to hope for.

Thank you, Margaret. I found myself in a rut and hanging with one negative friend. I tend to be lazy when it comes to making friends and get bored. Your suggestions were very practical and motivating!

Good advice for younger, lonely people too. Thx for sharing. 😊

I like walking, dancing, traveling, eating out but, I want to have someone to do these things with. I've been doing these things by myself for a long time.

I am 67 and had been living alone for 6 years now. I am not a loner but i enjoy being alone. My own time; my own space. I do what i want to do. I go wherever i want to go. I have very few friends, and they are enough for me. I don’t look for friends, but i can be a good friend if they choose me to be one. I enjoy cooking, sewing, crocheting and i enjoy my youtube hours.

This really spoke to me! The friends I used to have were part of different social sets. Now I myself alone wondering who I can be friends with.

I am so happy to encounter this video today. I turned 51 this year and can totally agree with her. Since my kids left my house, I have begun to "scan" my priorities and interest in my life. What I had already known was that I really need to share my time with my precious people whom I can make happy and who can share ideas with me. I do not need any kind of gossip around me. I, therefore, learned that it is then even better to spend time on my own for e.g. reading, walking, watching the favorite, but good dramas that can be very helpful to enhance your life. If I, in the process, meet someone by chance, whom I can share my idea with, then it is very nice. When I was younger, I had too much focused on the reaction of other people that gave negative influences over my self-confidence. I won't do the same mistake anymore. I am the one who can design my life. In this terms, I should be aware of who I am and what I am interested in and love. It makes me happy and people who want to share my interest with me want to come and see me naturally, I think. At least, I want to believe it. Many thanks for your words;-) I do not feel alone anymore.

Thank you! Getting to grips with being 53 and having to create a whole new life. Thank you for all your inspiring words. It's so nice to feel that my experience isn't that unique after all. I teach painting classes occasionally - LOVE that. Its so rewarding for everyone! I appreciate the Meetups idea - something I 'd like to try to find new friends to have more regular contact with people.

I'm 51 and divorced. My best friend of 13 years and I are experiencing a 'shifting' in our relationship. An old friend of hers recently came back into her life and I feel sort of pushed aside now. When I brought up how I was feeling she told me honestly and apologetically that she values us both but that she and I have nothing in common except for our religious beliefs, and essentially that the other friend and her have a deeper bond and similar interests, but she assured me that she still loves me. I was devastated to say the least. This feeling forced me to see how much I had shut others out because I was so close to her..chosing to be around her more than others. We have been like sisters since 2004 and now I feel a strong need to reach out to other people and forge new friendships, but I just don't know how. I mean, I'm very outgoing but don't want to come on too strong. I don't want to repel people either. Any advice would help. Thank you!😁

Fortunately I have a hobby (greeting card making) where I have made many good friends. I recently retired and have been going to two different senior centers... love most of the people.

People who love trains! Wonderful! What an interesting group. Margaret, you too are my friend - sending you a virtual hug. 🧡

Hi, I appreciate you sharing your insights with us. I'll try a few of these ideas and hopefully find a few new friends. I'll count You among them. Happy Day to You Sonny

I am retied now but i have no many friends i worked in england for thirty years now in Portugal.. my daughters in england i live with my beautifull dog I love cooking i Enjoy you work very much🤗🌹

I love your videos! I found you when I was looking for makeup tips for older women, and then I realized you have so much more to offer women our age! I found new friends by volunteering. My favorite cause is the American Cancer Society, and I have made so many connections by being part of the planning committee for our local Relay For Life.

Thank you for this. You have such a sweet temperament and manner of speaking to all of us. I have found this to be so encouraging and I'm looking forward to watching your other videos.

Be a friend! Love ❤️ yourself! Be you no matter what! There are so many groups around that I’m sure you’ll fit in some of them.

Earlier this year (aged 58) I walked the camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago then onto Muxia & Finisterre. 900+km. Met so many fantastic, like minded people, was so liberating. Keep up the good work motivating people.

I am early-retired and recently started volunteering at the Red Cross--they always need people, and you can meet great people there and make a difference. Also at local "soup kitchens" volunteering to serve meals to people who don't have food. I am also considering joining a prospectors group. I live in Idaho and there are lots of gems waiting to be found here! People of similar interests--you're right!

You have to choose wisely. Sometimes seemingly good people turn out to be not so nice. Find hobbies you can do by yourself.

I (an expat) just decided to start a meet up in Copenhagen, thank you, great work:) you are helping a lot of people.

i go cruising once a yr and absolutely love it and as a physically disabled woman i think i really needed that to push myself into it..i also have coffee once a week with friends and thats always fun..Im lucky in a way as i have the gift of the gab and make friends easily.. still learning however that not everyone is a friend.. but l heard this the other day and loved it..365 Alive.. Life is for living so start doing it..60+ isnt old these days like it was for out parents and grandparents.. Just have fun..

I agree the senior center is one of the best places to meet people to do things with. Also I am glad I know how to knit and crochet.

I'm lucky enough to have many good and long term friends. Groups who get together and talk about all kinds of cool stuff. But your video and the comments that followed have gotten me to thinking about being open to people who are looking for and need friends .

Yes, this was inspirational. I like the idea of inviting a few people to go for a train ride. Thank you...

I watched this video earlier at the gym. I really enjoyed the suggestions, and just feeling connected to someone all the way on the other side of the world! :) Cheers from Minneapolis, MN USA.

I'm 57, my husband is disabled and is home 90% of the time. A dear young nurse introduced me to her mother, who is my age. We've been travelling in her Minnie Winnie to Florida and we belong to the Moose Lodge, we do trivia night and karaoke night as well. Getting out, even by myself is important. We aren't meant to just work our whole lives building a career, and forget to have a life. Love your content.

This is great advice for any age. Im in my 30s and have made new friends by starting a synchronized swimming meet-up at a nearby pool. Many of the ladies do not have children yet, or decided not to. Most of us have more time available since our friends have become parents. I love your voice! So glad I found your channel.

I wish I could belong to your meet up! It is my dream to go to Europe but especially Switzerland! I love your trains! Taking classes is a great way to meet people. I love your library idea. I bet that is a beautiful library you go to. I love the old, smaller, community libraries... we have one that is next to a beautiful park... so that is fun. Have a beautiful day Margaret and everyone!

Hi! Nice to meet you! I love your smile and the way you speak!! ❤❤❤

Your message is very heartfelt. Thank you

I love what you said about finding your passion and forget about people. I did that with ice skating and found friends. People came and went over the years. Some moved away and sadly, some passed away. The only dilemma is that we seldom get together outside of the rink and there are cliques just like anywhere else. Everyone does the skating and then goes home. I live in AZ where most people have swimming pools. I never get invited. I don't have a pool, but would invite people if I did. It is frustrating. People are so caught up with their own lives. It is sad, but thanks for all the great tips as it really is difficult in Arizona. My European friends seem to have an easier time at finding friendships. I think that Americans have grown to be afraid of each other unfortunately and Covid made it so much worse. So much has changed in our society.

Ok...Lovely start...Sending Love trying not to get categorized in the waiting to die and filling in time...Sweet..

I have watched many of your videos and Im 47. The first I found was on empty-nest the night my youngest son left home, and I felt so soothed. Im just starting this journey for myself, so I am happy to have found you!

This is such a needed topic to address. It's so hard with the gym closed, it's been such a big part of my life. My church has been closed since April also. I began attending another it's 30 miles round trip every Sunday but so needed & helps. I'm trying to keep my head above water buf really wish there were more to do locally. I will be resuming reading I usually do winter evenings.

You have very kind eyes and wonderful advice! I’m almost 50 and haven’t had a very good girlfriend in years I’m an empty nester and I’m getting lonely. I live in a religious community but I’m not religious..so it’s very hard to fit in. Having someone to talk to, besides my husband, about woman things and such would be so wonderful!! I am a library lover too!!!

Hi Margaret, Thank you for such a frank chat . I am in my mid 50's and about to lose faith in life until I came across your clip. It just gave me a new lift and hope. I will follow your advise ie. TED , Meetups. I thank you.

The turquoise color top you are wearing. is very pretty. Come to think of it, you always look nice.

Hello. I just happened upon you and this video. I really enjoyed your conversation style and topic. I especially appreciate your positive disposition. Also you have a relaxing voice. I'm 44. I'm now a subscriber.

You are such a lovely person, its nice to listen to you. :) Your tips are also good for young people. Wish you a nice day :)

You are so great! Awesome advice, I really appreciate it xo

Hi margaret, again, thank you for your great video. I do not meet new friends for nearly 6 months. I am focus on reading, word puzzles, cooking, diet and nutrition, and exercise. I try to pay attention to myself physically and mentally. I pray that God will provide me with opportunity to meet new friends and help others.

Hello Margaret n all of you who watch this postings. Thank you for wonderful ideas you presented. Let me share some unusual points here. I am a multicultural, multilingual health practitioner/ counselor/ therapist. I have 2 children, grown up n out of home - one lives overseas n I don't see him - just telephone n email. I have a problem that many of you don't have. Not that I am complaining, as I chose to live in different countries with different cultures n peoples. But the downside of it is that you don't have friends from school, college, childhood, neighbors, n even common experiences n stories of the same city, or country. However, I had no problem to find friends in every country n city I lived, n still I am in touch with some of them. I have been single mom until my children moved out. It just didn't happen that I meet my match. As a social extravert people's person I never thought I will be alone, no friends, no communities I could join, etc. But it did. Where I live now for very long time, is known for being a difficult place to find friends, even groups, to match with. This city is very spread out, 185 languages are spoken here. No one is interested in personal contact / friendship. Ppl have only few friends n remain under themselves. Most ppl have nothing in common with others. There are many more women, n qualified women than men. The average education level of 55+ is not even high school! Mostly haven't travelled or speak another language. Their knowledge of the world is very limited. Fun for this society is getting drunk!!! Meet-up here quickly became business, not hobby!! There aren't really dancing places, even if there is a dance party to make money from, the music is soooo out of touch with rhythms...ppl just get drunk n jump up n down, sweat like mad, n shout talking to each other because the music is soooo loud! Even the bands play one rhythm all night!!! Going to senior dances, there are 3 men, 25 women... No one dances alone! Libraries...almost empty! These people are very nice, but shy n feel intimated by migrants who come from the big places....! I don't feel lonely, but alone, yes, I do miss Europe, US, n other places I have lived, where ppl get together n have few laughs or share some meals, in Germany, people who loved to cook, shared a meal with those who loved a home made meal...it was called "with eater"... Guest houses were full of ppl who all talked to each other. In Austria, ppl shared their tables in cafes n restaurants because of more guests than tables. In Italy n France everyone talked to everyone. Here, none of those things...!! So, youtube has become my friend n source of communication :) Lots of hugs n kisses for you all. Neli

I love your videos you are helping a lot of people me included thank you so much x x

I'm challenged by meeting new friends with an illness, but just reconnected with my best friend of 25 years ago and it was great. Looking for new ideas and will give this more thought. I agree exercise is definitely a priority and I don't feel good about myself if I don't. I believe chasing your passions is a great idea and not chase people. But I do believe making new friends is a bit challenging. Depending on where you live is a factor, but if you have a pet you walk you will meet people. Too bad I'm allergic to animal hair. Still, lots of other ideas as you mentioned. Great job Margaret. Always coming up with an interesting topics and this one seems to be very popular.

Thanks. This gives me ideas and hopes. I see it important to like you said to have the focus on the hobby and not friends. It should just happen.

I'm 50 and my kids are grown...I never set up play dates when they were younger and never did the mom thang as teenagers. In my 20's I work and went to school but never did the college friends. To be honest I'd say I've had 4 close friends in my life. Fast forward to now...I talk to numerous people use to be a gym rat, walking group, yoga, church volunteer, meet up(Mi), I can have interesting conversations in the "moment" ...I'm open but nothing ever sticks....It's sad really cuz I have alot to offer and I'd love to be blessed by others...

I'm a new subscriber, in my late 40s but very interested in experiences of women a little older than me so I have some tips/ideas of what to expect in the ageing process. You are very relaxing to listen to. I discovered you through one of your make up videos this morning and subscribed straight away. This one about friendships attracted me as I have a good friend who, I see regularly but she still gets lonely as she doesn't see her other friends as often as me, they are all very busy and don't prioritise time with her. You give some really good tips.

Love your video. Thanks for sharing❤😀

Great video thank you. As we get older it hard to make new friends. Many older women work from home as well. Living in the present is the best place to be and being positive. Lots of older people like to complain, these are energy vampires keep away from them they are draining. I like long distance walking. It a good way to meet people join a walking club.

Thank you for this!

Wow! This is so important! I am having quite a difficult time deciding about friendship.

I have found that I've outgrown some friends my age, and seem to relate to older people better. Some in my age group seem immature or maybe it's just me with an older soul!!!!

Thank you. That was very helpful. 🙏🌸

Meetup.com does work! I organise two of my own and attend two or three of other people's, though I'm signed-up for over eighty (!). It's true what you say about inviting people to your home. At the end of one of my Meetups in a pub, we all piled back to my house for a night-cap or two and people were genuinely moved that I had opened-up my house to them, as it's increasingly rare to ever go into people's houses, nowadays. All in all, Meetup is probably the easiest way to meet people - the clue is in the name!

You look pretty in this outfit, Margret! Good tips on meeting new people...looking forward to new experiences in 2018.

I live in gated community with a lake and golf course. Hubby wanted to move here but the prob is I don't play golf but I do like the lake.. I would love to travel more one only lives once.. but my hubby doesn't like to travel much I hope he will.. But we go to activities here at the lake, fourth of July fireworks also to the library..My hubby doesn't have friends much but I love to have friends.. So we all like different interests.. Oh I love the trains..As a matter of fact we have a train depot in the town we go to alot.. Your video is very encouraging..thank you and have a great day!! Being a good friend is being a good listener and get along with people..

That was very helpful. Thank you

Very good idea to pursue your passion. Enjoyed this video.

I want to thank you for your channel. I'm outgoing and don't know a stranger; however, I find it hard to find good friends my age (52). You encourage me to connect with groups of people that have common interests to mine. I also bought rosehip oil for my face after I watched one of your other videos. It works wonderfully. Thank you again. Cheers!

I just found your wonderful channel! You are delightful and I really enjoy your informative videos; they're just what I need! God bless you!

Hej Margaret! What a Super duper Idea with the trains...... Im going to copy that! ( hope you dont mind).;.)) Thanks

I'm so glad I found your videos !!!! absolutely love you !

Margaret, I enjoy your site immensely. Very good tips.

Thank you, these are some very helpful ideas. I have a somewhat unique situation, coupled with some social anxiety. But I know I need to make some changes. I will try some of your suggestions, emphasis on "try" and see what happens. Best to you.

Good advice. I've joined committees (like the landscaping committee) in my apartment complex and found neighbor/friends who I have been close to for several years now. Attending ongoing events also helps facilitate friendships of like minds.

You have such a relaxing, kind way about you that I subscribed immediately.

great tips, thank you

I am so glad I found this site. I am 65 and I am a people person and am very lonely. I went back to work part time as a nurse. That was the best thing I could have done. I felt like I lost my purpose. Thank you for sharing.

Volunteer. Great way to meet people that share a common interest.

love this video!

This WAS helpful--thank you. Some Facebook Elder Orphans in my area are planning to get together for coffee.

Those are good ideas! Thank you!!!

Thank you! Great ideas, I moved to another state and it is hard to meet people. I do need to get my physical self in shape energy-wise. I will look into the Meet up, I have heard of it, you are such a lovely and dear lady, I would love to be friends with such a good soul as you! Blessing. Oh, I am 70 years young.

Great video!! Thank you!

Volunteering has been a great entry into some wonderful connections for me. Not many meetup groups in my area that I have an interest in but the library has worked well for me also.

Great tips Margaret.. how about a small What’sApp group? The topics wd be so varied and one cd learn so much from each other and have good conversations!! 😊

Hi Margaret, I'm a 71yr old disable senior citizens, I just ran into video and subscribe, Margaret I don't have any friends I'm alone, my problem is the Dr's don't know what I have, they say I have fibromyalgia, osteoporosis plus a line tht they don't know what it is, well I can walk and bend over, but I can't squat,sit on floor nor grass nor cement hard wooid benches and more, certain chairs only booth and my shoes situation is ridiculous never know what I can wear. And there's more so with all this it has kinda paralyze m e being home all the time because it feels safe, do you have any suggestions for me to go an meet, I had to really down size to a tiny tralor so I really can't invite any one over. You seem very sweet. I'm glad I ran into your video.

Thank you!

I travel a lot and chat to people on the train or plane but none of them live close by - they are spread around the world - Canada, France, South Africa and we keep in touch. Not the same as having someone in your own neighbourhood who you can see regularly.

Ever since COVID, people seem to be depressed and afraid of each other because of all the Social Distancing. No one seems to want a meet up anywhere. At first, I thought maybe it's me... But I really believe people are terrified of each other. People have even social distanced from calling or messaging .. It's as if they're worried of catching COVID over the phone or something .. Crazy times. I send you a big virtual HUG.😊👋🏻

Thank you. Great ideas that inspire me.

Hi! I found your channel 3 or 4 wks ago & look forward to watching your videos each day! You have such a wide variety of subjects that are so helpful, so I thank you for that! I retired @ age 48. Started working for the Judicial System of NC at age 18 so I had 30 yrs in by the time I was 48. I live in a small town where there’s not many places to go. Our movie theatre closed 4 yrs ago, we don’t have a yoga class here & the only way to take dance classes is to drive to Myrtle Beach, SC which is a 45 minute drive from my house. You have to get a membership from our local gym in order to take aerobics classes. So there aren’t a lot of options available where I live. Do you have any suggestions as to where I could go to meet new friends since recreational options are very limited? Thanks & have a wonderful day!

Hello, I'm new to your channel and enjoyed your ideas very much! Meetup.com sounds great! Thanks very much for this.

You are so sweet. Very enjoyable video...

I have struggled to find friends all my life. I was a very withdrawn child as a teenager l was extremely self conscious. Making friends was a real challenge it wasn't until l was 32 l discovered l was not shy but suffering with social anxiety. I have tried to overcome it but there is no real support. . I have got to know a couple of women in recent years. But they are busy with family and other concerns. For some making friends is a life long struggle. I am now 66 and cannot see how to bring about change. I am sure there are other women who struggle as l do. The other major problem is of course money. Even joining meet up groups (if l could get to them) have costs. With the current rise in living any money l had for social activities is even less.