When we enter retirement, we suddenly have a lot more free time on our hands. Without work to distract us and occupy our day, loneliness can become a factor for some people. All that time to fill can shine a light on the fact that we don’t have anyone to share it with.

But not to fear. We can make new friends at any age. Here are ten ways to meet new people and fill your retirement with companionship.

Remember That You’re Not Alone

As we age it can become more difficult to connect with new people. Fear can prevent us from taking the first step. To overcome this, it can be helpful to remember that you aren’t the only one looking for a friend.

A lot of people in retirement are looking for companionship, and they’ll be happy if you make the first move! There’s no need to be nervous. Your conversation will be a welcome addition to someone else’s day. Just be confident and get out there.

Take Up a Group Hobby

Find something that you enjoy doing that will bring you into contact with other likeminded people. If you’re into quilting, find a quilting circle. If you enjoy woodworking, join a community woodshop. The activity you choose isn’t important. As long as it interests you, you’ll have an instant connection with other people that enjoy the same thing.

Find an Opportunity to Volunteer

Volunteering somewhere is a great way to get out of the house and around other positive people that are interested in spending their retirement years in service to others. Not only is this a great social opportunity, but it will also help you feel good about yourself.

Depression often follows loneliness and isolation and doing something to help others benefits your own mental wellbeing. And a positive outlook makes it even easier to make new friends.

Take a Continuing Education Class

This is another excellent way to meet people with similar interests. Take advantage of the material covered each class to strike up a discussion with fellow students. It’s a great way to start a conversation because you don’t have to struggle to find a topic, and everyone is already thinking about the subject. You could find somewhere on campus to sit and chat or go out for a group meal afterward. In no time you may yourself with a number of new pals.

Participate in Local Events

If you happen to live in a retirement community it’s likely that the facility sponsors frequent community social events. Avail yourself of the opportunities. It’s certain that a number of other residents will show up hoping for some conversation.

If you live in a standard neighborhood you can check community bulletin boards for upcoming events. You’re certain to find bingo nights, street festivals, and other opportunities to stretch your legs and meet new people.

Join a Club

Clubs are just social groups built around a specific interest or focus. They’re tailor-made for people looking to expand their social circles and add new people. There are clubs built around specific hobbies as well as just general fraternal organizations. Look for something nearby so that it’s not a chore to get to group meetings.

Look Into Mentoring

You have a career’s worth of experience under your belt. You might be out of the game, but your perspective could be invaluable to someone coming up through the ranks.

Creating a mentoring relationship will keep you involved in your old passion while giving you the opportunity to spend time with the younger generation. It’s an excellent way to find companionship as well as a purpose in retirement.

Participate With Your Church

If you’re a religious person and a member of a church, synagogue, mosque, or another spiritual center, get involved with the community. There are usually frequent social and volunteer opportunities outside of the normal worship schedule. You could also simply introduce yourself to people after services and strike up a conversation. People tend to be open to others in a spiritual setting, so it’s a low-pressure environment for meeting people.

Get on Social Media

Websites like Facebook aren’t a replacement for in-person relationships, but they can be a great way to stay connected with older, distant friends as well as to meet new people with similar interests.

There are groups on Facebook for every interest imaginable. If you’re a Civil War buff, love jazz music, or are into antiques and collectibles, you’ll be able to find instant communities devoted to your hobbies. And you never know, a Facebook friendship can develop into a real friendship, particularly if the other person happens to live nearby.

Join An Active Adult Community

If isolation is becoming a real problem, you might consider selling your home and moving to an active adult retirement community. These aren’t old age homes. They’re vibrant villages populated by retirement age people looking for exactly what you are: an opportunity to live around a ready community of fun, interesting people.

Retirement communities generally have a number of amenities that are available to residents as well as a wide range of community activities. To make new friends you need only walk out of your front door and say, “hello”!

Managing finances improperly and accumulating debt is one of the biggest stress-causing factors for seniors. It is important to be financially secure during your retirement. Medical bills are one of the big reasons many seniors are forced to file for bankruptcies. No one (including seniors) like to get calls from a healthcare collection agency to pressurize them to pay bills when savings are depleting fast.

Keeping yourself fit can do wonders for people hitting retirement age. Many seniors join fitness centers that are designed for seniors only. Any seniors joining these low-intensity gyms and fitness centers should pay their membership in advance and instruct the billing department of gyms to automatically cancel/pause their membership when the balance runs out. Otherwise, if you start to accumulate credit/bills with your fitness center, they may eventually be forwarded to a gym collection agency if bills are not cleared on time.

To lead a happy retirement life, it is not only important to make new friends; remaining physically and financially fit are equally important.