You’re never too old to connect with new people and build meaningful relationships. We find joy, companionship, and a sense of community through these connections.
If you want to expand your social circle, try joining clubs, taking classes, volunteering, or doing any activity that introduces you to a world where you can meet new friends.
Join a Book/TV/Movie Club
Whether you prefer reading, watching TV, or talking about movies, you can find a local group dedicated to discussing them. Many of these groups advertise online or meet regularly at a community center.
At State Street Assisted Living, we have an on-site theater for residents to connect over their favorite shows and movies. It’s a fun way to stay engaged with others and meet people who share your interests.
Take a Class
There’s always more to learn! Many community centers or colleges offer adult education courses. Taking classes—whether learning a new language or mastering pottery—allows you to meet others on the same path.
You can work together to complete a project or improve a skill, getting to know each other along the way. Ultimately, you may have a new hobby and a new friend.
We know curiosity and the thrill of learning new things don’t disappear with age. Bridge University is our answer. This purposeful learning program is tailored for seniors and promotes brain health and social well-being. It offers several professionally led activities, including literature discussions, virtual tours of cultural sites, and hands-on experiences in the arts, music, history, and science.
Volunteer
When you give back to your community, you’re not only making a difference in the world around you; you’re also creating an opportunity to connect with others.
Volunteering allows you to work with people who share your passion for helping others. That’s an instant conversation starter. You can find local groups that plant trees, serve meals at shelters, or run charity events. No matter your passions, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer for a good cause in Dover.
Join a Gardening Club
Whether you have a green thumb or want to develop one, gardening clubs offer a relaxed environment to connect with fellow nature lovers. As you all work together to make something beautiful, you can’t help but strike up a conversation. It’s a natural way to connect.
There’s something special about sharing tips on how to grow your tomatoes or swapping seeds among friends.
Take a Fitness Class
Joining a fitness class keeps you active and healthy and is a great way to meet other people who are also trying to stay fit!
Check out your gym calendar. Many offer classes specifically designed for older adults. That means you’re in a group of people in the same stage of life as you are.
You could find yourselves rooting for each other, celebrating progress, and sharing tips and advice. It’s a wonderful way to build camaraderie.
At State Street Assisted Living, we encourage our residents to embrace a life of wellness, whether it’s through fitness, therapy, or other services.
Participate in Community Events
There’s something special about community events. They bring people together from all walks of life, sparking conversations that might not have happened otherwise.
From local fairs and charity runs to food festivals, you’re bound to bump into someone who shares your interests. And who knows? That quick chat about the best homemade jam could become a lasting friendship.
Join a Church Group
Churches are often hubs for community activities. Conversation naturally flows as you participate in activities, discussions, or prayers. Many churches have groups specifically for older adults, from Bible study to potluck dinners.
Church groups aren’t just about serious talks. There’s plenty of joy and laughter, too. It’s a warm and welcoming environment where you can connect with others on a deeper level, sharing faith and fellowship.
Our community offers a spiritual space, so you never have to venture far to deepen your spirituality and connect with others.
Join a Travel Group
If you have a case of wanderlust, joining a seniors’ travel group can be a fantastic idea. These include local tours of your city or state, or you can take the leap and travel abroad.
Exploring new places with others adds extra excitement to the journey. Sharing unique experiences and memories is a strong foundation for any friendship.
Take Dance Classes
Dance is a universal language that brings people together. Dancing classes are all about having fun even if you have 2 left feet. You’re all there, stepping out of your comfort zones together, and that shared experience naturally brings people closer.
Laugh and bond over your attempts to master the salsa or the foxtrot, and before you know it, these people aren’t just your dance partners—they’re your friends.
Join a Support Group
Support groups bring together individuals who are going through similar life situations. They provide a safe space to share feelings, ask questions, and offer mutual support. Imagine being able to talk openly about your experiences and challenges, knowing that you’re not alone and that the people around you truly understand. That’s the power of support groups.
These groups also provide the perfect setting for forging new friendships. As you bond over shared experiences, celebrating victories together, you create a strong network of friends who are there for you through the ups and downs of life.
Forging a Community with Bridge Senior Living
At State Street Assisted Living, our residents feel like they can truly be themselves and are encouraged to do what they find rewarding, engaging, and thrilling. Many residents start and manage their own activities, including book clubs, flower-arranging classes, history lectures, and cultural events.
Schedule a visit to our community today and take the first step toward finding your new home and (perhaps) your new best friends. We can’t wait to welcome you.
