Why Friendship Matters After 50

Friendships are vital for emotional and physical well-being, especially as we age. A study from the Industrial Psychiatry Journal found a significant link between loneliness and depression in older adults, underscoring the importance of social connections. For women, who often nurture deeper emotional ties, friendships can be a source of joy, support, and personal growth. With looming retirement and becoming empty-nesters, our lives, locations and friend groups change. Whether you’re seeking a travel buddy, a coffee date, or a confidante, here are the best places to start.

1. Group Travel and Cruises

Travel is a fantastic way to meet new friends, especially on women-only or age-specific group trips. Shared experiences, like exploring new destinations or joining retreats focused on wellness or adventure, create new bonds. Cruises, such as a women’s Bahamas cruise, provide a structured yet relaxed environment to bond over shared activities, from shore excursions to onboard workshops. A 2024 WebMD article highlights group travel as a way to create lasting memories and inside jokes, fostering friendships that endure beyond the trip.

Tip: Look for all-inclusive trips with planned activities to ease the pressure of initiating conversations. Along with our own women’s travel group, websites like Meetup or Road Scholar offer group travel options tailored to older adults.

2. Local Community Organizations and Volunteering

Volunteering is a win-win: you contribute to a cause you care about while meeting people who share your values. Whether it’s a local animal shelter, community garden, or charity event, these settings naturally spark conversations. A 2015 “Sixty and Me” survey found that women who volunteered reported feeling more connected and less lonely. Organizations like The Transition Network (TTN) offer peer groups for women over 50, focusing on shared interests like books, films, or art.

Tip: Check out local libraries or community centers for volunteer opportunities or online and in-person groups like book clubs, which attract women seeking connection.

3. Fitness and Wellness Classes

Joining a yoga, Pilates, or dance class can lead to friendships, especially in women-focused or senior-friendly settings. Classes like chair yoga or somatic yoga retreats, popular among women over 50, combine physical activity with mindfulness, creating a supportive atmosphere. A 2023 AARP article noted that regular group activities, like fitness classes, help women bond over shared goals. Plus, the casual post-class chat can naturally evolve into deeper connections.

Tip: Look for classes at your local YMCA or studios offering women-only sessions. Events like “HIIT and Hush” (a fitness and yoga combo) can also include social elements like happy hours to encourage mingling.

4. Online Platforms and Social Media

Technology has made it easier to connect with others, even for introverts. Websites like Meetup or Girlfriend Social allow you to find local groups based on interests, from hiking to wine tasting. Social media platforms like Facebook have groups for women over 50, where you can join discussions or organize in-person activities. A 2019 New York Times article shared the success of a Los Angeles group, Finding Female Friends Past Fifty, which grew to over 800 members through Meetup, proving the demand for women-only spaces.

Tip: Search for local or interest-based groups on Meetup, and don’t shy away from virtual meetups, which can lead to in-person connections.

5. Hobby-Based Groups and Classes

Pursuing a passion—whether it’s pottery, knitting, or learning a new language—can connect you with women who share your interests. Community colleges, libraries, or local art studios often offer classes tailored to older adults. A 2020 Prime Women article described how joining quirky groups, like a “puppy party” for rescue dogs, led to unexpected friendships. These settings allow you to bond over shared activities without the pressure of forced socializing.

Tip: Sign up for a class at a local library or community center, or join a book club to connect over shared stories.

6. Social Events and Happy Hours

Events like happy hours or travel-themed meetups are perfect for meeting women in a relaxed setting. Hosting or attending a women-over-50 travel group happy hour, as you’ve explored before, can spark conversations about shared passions like travel or adventure. A 2023 NextTribe article emphasized the power of “friend speed-dating” at casual gatherings, where women can quickly gauge compatibility.

Tip: Organize or join a local happy hour through platforms like Eventbrite, focusing on themes like travel or wellness to attract like-minded women.

Actionable Steps to Start Today

•  Get Out of the House: As one “Sixty and Me”. contributor advised, “Don’t stay inside; force yourself to get out.” Attend a local event or class, even if it feels intimidating at first.

•  Be Open to All Ages: Friendships with younger women can be refreshing and enriching, as noted in a 2024 “Sixty and Me” article.

•  Follow Up: Meeting someone is just the start. Step out of your comfort zone and invite a potential friend for coffee or a walk to deepen the connection, as suggested by a 2017 NYCityWoman article.

•  Embrace Your Passions: Focus on activities you love, whether it’s yoga, travel, or volunteering. Shared interests lead to authentic friendships.

Final Thoughts

Making new friends after 50 is about putting yourself in the path of connection. Whether through a women’s cruise, a local book club, or a volunteer gig, the key is to show up authentically and stay open to possibilities. As one woman shared in a 2018 New York Times article, “At this age, you are who you are… there’s no jealousy or competition.” Embrace that confidence, and you’ll find women ready to share laughter, stories, and adventures.

Where will you start your friendship journey?

Cheers!

Joy — Your Over-50 Travel Host

Joy Bartholomew is the founder of Reinvent Retired Travel and Wellness.  She is a travel advisor specializing in helping empty-nesters, retirees, and the "50+ travelers" find their perfect vacation, whether it's a new city, country, or continent. She enjoys helping couples, individuals and groups check off itineraries from their bucket-list, and enjoy all of the luxuries and comforts in midlife on a mid-level budget. As a yoga teacher, she works with the same 50+ travelers to improve their health and wellness so they can travel better for longer and enjoy all of life's blessings.

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