Social Activities For Seniors: How To Make New Friends After 60

Friendship has no age limit. If anything, our later years give us the gift of time, wisdom, and freedom to choose relationships that truly enrich our lives. Yet many seniors admit that making new friends after 60 can feel daunting. Where do you begin? How do you step into new circles without feeling out of place?

The good news is that building friendships in your 60s, 70s, and beyond is not only possible—it can also be deeply rewarding. Whether you’re retired, widowed, recently moved, or simply ready for fresh connections, there are countless ways to nurture new friendships through social activities.

At Laurel Heights in Edmonton, we see every day how shared activities bring people together. A coffee chat after yoga, laughter during a card game, or working side by side in the garden can spark meaningful connections that blossom into lifelong friendships.

Why friendships matter at every age

Friendships are more than just pleasant company. They’re linked to better health, stronger resilience, and greater happiness. Research shows that socially engaged seniors are less likely to experience depression, loneliness, or cognitive decline. Friendships even support physical health, lowering the risk of heart disease and boosting immunity.

At 60 and beyond, friendships also provide purpose. They give you someone to share your day with, whether it’s a walk in the neighbourhood, a conversation over tea, or celebrating milestones. Social bonds remind us that life is meant to be shared—and that it’s never too late to add new chapters to your story. Programs like New York’s anti-loneliness clubs, where seniors share their life stories in a group setting, have been shown to dramatically uplift mood and create a strong sense of belonging.

Overcoming the hesitation to meet new people

It’s normal to feel a little unsure about making new friends later in life. Perhaps you worry you won’t “fit in,” or you haven’t had to introduce yourself to new people in decades. These feelings are common—but they don’t have to hold you back.

Start small. You don’t need to dive into a large group right away. Attend a single class, try a hobby group, or join a walking club. Shared interests naturally spark conversation, and often, friendships begin with simple exchanges.

Remember—you’re not starting from scratch. You carry with you years of experiences, skills, and stories that others will find valuable. Many people are looking for connection just as much as you are, and they’ll be grateful when you take the first step.

Social activities that spark connection

The best way to meet new friends is to do something you genuinely enjoy. That way, you’re not just filling time—you’re creating meaningful experiences. Experts interviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle remind us that building friendships in your 80s doesn’t require grand gestures—it’s okay to start simply by asking someone to share lunch or join you for a walk. Here are some activities that make it easier to connect:

• Join a club or group. Book clubs, bridge or card games, gardening groups, and language classes offer natural conversation starters.

• Stay active together. Fitness programs like yoga, tai chi, or group walks are both healthy and social. Movement builds energy and laughter bonds people.

• Explore creativity. Painting, crafting, or music classes let you share talents and encourage one another.

• Volunteer. Giving back alongside others is one of the most rewarding ways to build connections. Many seniors volunteer in Edmonton at cultural festivals, food banks, or local schools.

• Cultural and faith gatherings. Edmonton is home to a vibrant, diverse community, including a strong South Asian presence. Attending cultural events or faith services creates spaces where people feel comfortable connecting.

Every friendship begins with shared moments. By putting yourself in places where those moments happen, you give new relationships the chance to grow.

Tips for keeping new friendships strong

According to Psychology Today, even casual daily interactions—like chatting with a neighbour or barista—can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety, while friendships in later life are a better predictor of health and happiness than family relationships. Starting a friendship is just the beginning—nurturing it is what makes it meaningful. Here are a few gentle ways to keep new connections thriving:

• Be consistent. Whether it’s a weekly card game, a morning walk, or meeting for coffee, regularity builds trust and comfort.

• Listen deeply. Showing genuine interest in someone’s stories and experiences creates a sense of respect and value.

• Try something new together. Friendships grow stronger when you share new adventures, like attending a cooking class or visiting a local festival.

• Balance giving and receiving. Healthy friendships are reciprocal. Offer help, but also allow others to support you.

• Stay open. Not every connection will turn into a lifelong friendship—and that’s okay. Each interaction is still a chance for joy and learning.

Friendships at any age take a little effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. By putting care into these relationships, you create bonds that enrich both your life and the lives of those around you.

The role of community living in building friendships

One of the biggest barriers to making friends after 60 is simply logistics. Driving across the city, scheduling meetups, and coordinating activities can be tiring. Senior living communities help remove these barriers by bringing people together in one welcoming environment.

At Laurel Heights, connection happens naturally:

• Shared meals encourage neighbours to gather and chat.

• Daily activities like fitness classes, movie nights, or hobby groups provide easy opportunities to mingle.

• Welcoming spaces such as lounges, gardens, and patios invite spontaneous conversation.

Residents often tell us their closest friendships began with small, everyday moments—a smile in the hallway, a card game, or joining someone at lunch. Over time, these simple connections turn into strong bonds.

Community living also makes it easier to explore new things together. Whether it’s joining a choir, taking part in a trivia night, or hosting cultural celebrations, there’s always something happening to bring people closer.

A recent report poll found that friendships formed later in life carry a special kind of strength—especially for those managing health challenges—proving that it’s never too late to build meaningful connections.

Staying connected beyond the community

Making new friends doesn’t mean leaving old ones behind. In fact, blending both can enrich your social life. Technology helps too: video calls, WhatsApp chats, or Facebook groups make it easy to keep in touch with family and long-distance friends.

At Laurel Heights, families are encouraged to join events, creating opportunities for residents to strengthen old ties while forming new ones. This balance ensures friendships extend beyond community walls, weaving connections into every part of life.

It’s never too late to make new friends

Making new friends after 60 is less about age and more about openness. Each conversation, shared meal, or activity is a chance to find someone who makes life brighter. Social activities aren’t just a way to pass the time—they’re the foundation of a healthier, happier, more connected life.

At Laurel Heights, we believe friendship is one of the greatest joys of community living. Here, you’ll always find welcoming spaces and friendly faces ready to share the next chapter with you. If you or someone you love is exploring senior living in Edmonton, we invite you to learn more about how our community supports residents to live with comfort and confidence—every step of the way.

We invite you to visit Laurel Heights and see how we support joyful, culturally inclusive senior living in Edmonton. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to ensure you feel right at home.

Contact us  or Book a Tour to explore how community living and personalised experiences come together to create a life filled with comfort and endless possibilities.

Continue your journey here

Looking to take the next step or simply stay connected? Here are a few helpful links:

• Contact us – We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.

• Book a tour – Come experience our community in person.

• Virtual tour - Discover the warmth of our community from wherever you are. 

• Visit our YouTube channel – See daily life, special moments, expert interviews and resident stories in action.

About Laurel Heights

Located in Edmonton’s peaceful Meadows area, Laurel Heights is a senior living community that blends comfort, culture, and connection. With a focus on inclusivity, it offers a nurturing environment where residents can enjoy independence while being supported by a caring community. The residence boasts modern, spacious suites tailored for both Independent and Supportive Living, thoughtfully equipped with amenities such as kitchenettes and emergency call systems to ensure safety and convenience. Managed by Optima Living, a trusted operator with over 15 years of experience in Western Canada, Laurel Heights is dedicated to providing exceptional senior care, ensuring that every resident leads a fulfilling and dignified life.