Staying Socially Active After 65: Clubs, Activities, and Communities

Most cities have senior centers offering free/low-cost activities: exercise classes, card games, educational workshops, meals.

How to find: Google "[your city] senior center" or call Area Agency on Aging.
Cost: Free to $20/year membership

Gives purpose while meeting people. Options: library helper, hospital greeter, food bank, animal shelter, school reading buddy.

Tip: AARP Experience Corps connects seniors with schools.
Time: 2-10 hours/week (your choice)

Monthly gatherings to discuss books. Great for introverts—conversation topic is built-in!

Where: Libraries, bookstores, senior centers, or start your own
Frequency: Once per month

Social AND healthy! Options: water aerobics, yoga, tai chi, walking groups, SilverSneakers classes.

Bonus: Many Medicare Advantage plans include free gym membership
Frequency: 2-3 times/week

Churches, synagogues, mosques offer worship plus social events: potlucks, study groups, service projects.

Even if not religious: Many Unitarian churches welcome all beliefs

Gardening clubs, craft circles, photography groups, bridge clubs, genealogy societies.

Find them: Meetup.com, community centers, hobby stores
Example: Quilting guilds meet weekly and welcome beginners

For homebound or rural seniors: Senior Planet (tech classes), Stitch (social network for 50+), Reddit r/AskOldPeople.

Virtual options: Zoom book clubs, online classes, video game groups

Mentor young people: Big Brothers Big Sisters Senior Program, tutoring, youth sports coaching.

Benefit: Stay connected to younger generations, feel valued

Road Scholar (educational travel for 50+), ElderTreks (adventure travel), or local day trip groups.

Cost: $100-200/day for organized trips
Alternative: Local hiking/walking clubs (free)

Provides income AND social interaction: retail, tutoring, consulting, customer service.

Flexible options: Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helps seniors 55+ find work

Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator). They know all local programs, many free.

AARP.org/community - Enter your zip code for local events, classes, volunteer opportunities.

Search "seniors" or your hobby + your city. Many groups specifically for 50+, 60+, 70+.

Physical boards with flyers for local clubs, classes, events. Librarians can help you find groups.

Neighborhood social network. Post: "Senior looking for local activities" - neighbors will respond!

Solutions:
• Many senior centers offer free van service
• Uber/Lyft (family can set up account)
• Volunteer driver programs
• Paratransit services (if eligible)
• Choose activities within walking distance

Solutions:
• Bring a friend first time
• Arrive early when less crowded
• Contact organizer beforehand, explain you're new
• Start with structured activities (classes) vs open mingling
• Remember: Everyone was new once!

Solutions:
• Ask about accessibility beforehand
• Choose seated activities (book clubs, crafts)
• Many exercise classes have chair versions
• Virtual options if homebound

Solutions:
• Many activities are FREE (libraries, parks, senior centers)
• Volunteer work costs nothing
• Walking groups are free
• Ask about senior discounts or scholarships

Friendships form through repeated exposure. Commit to 4-6 visits before judging if it's for you.

People love talking about themselves. "How did you get into this?" "Have you been coming long?"

Make eye contact, don't interrupt, ask follow-up questions. This matters more than being witty.

Offer to bring snacks, set up chairs, help newcomers. Makes you valuable to the group.

After a few group meetings: "Would you like to get coffee before next week's meeting?"