How to Make Friends in Retirement
Judging from the Reddit post below and the ensuing conversation, lots of folks in retirement have trouble finding friends.
That’s a big deal because having a social network has been linked to better health and longer lives. We need each other; we just have to come up with ways to connect.
The poster who spoke about his problems with finding friends got a lot of good suggestions from other Redditors, and I couldn’t help but think how well they lined up with Lanark life.
Volunteer
Volunteering was probably the most common refrain on the Reddit thread, and it made me think about how many volunteer opportunities there are in Lanark Village. The 3 community organizations could always use some help with their events, and the same is true of the American Legion.
State and National Parks and Forests, Wildlife Preserves, and Audobon sites are abundant on the Forgotten Coast, and they would welcome your volunteer application. You could pet dogs at the Humane Society, fight fires with the volunteer fire department, learn how to help your neighbors in a disaster with CERT, or distribute food for Farm Share, to name only a few available opportunities.
If you want to make friends and enjoy helping others, volunteering for one of the many non-profits along the Forgotten Coast might be your answer.
Meet people through your hobbies or interests
Another Reddit suggestion was to meet people through participation in some of your favorite activities. That’s easy to do here too. If you like reading, the Franklin County Libraries sponsor book chats. If you’re more of a writer, they’ve got writers’ groups too.
Would you rather make art? Make it with the Carrabelle Artists Association and meet the other area creatives.
Lanark Village Golf Club maintains a shuffleboard court where a team of friendly neighbors play regularly. You could be among them.
You can make quilting buddies at the Wandering Star Quilters Club or fishing buddies at the Lanark Village Boat Club. Whatever floats yours.
Get a job
Workplaces provide a natural outlet for meeting others, and Lanark is fairly well-positioned for job seekers There isn’t a lot of industry here (after all, we’re on the Forgotten Coast).
However retail jobs are a favored part-time occupation for Lanark Village retirees because there are plenty of available positions within a reasonable commute. Every tourist needs a tee shirt and a souvenir. You could be the one to make that happen for them while getting acquainted with your colleagues at the same time.
Have coffee with friends
Redditor r/L-W-J spoke of the satisfaction that comes from starting the day with a shot of caffeine and some friends.
“I have a Friday coffee meetup. Been doing it for twenty years. Liked it so much, I made a Wednesday coffee meetup.”
Lanarkians are lucky not to be restricted to 1 or 2 days for our morning get-togethers. We meet for coffee at Chillas Hall Monday through Friday from 9-11. It’s a bang-up way to start your day.
Get a dog
No not for the companionship, although dogs are great for that too. But if you have a dog with you, people are more likely to stop and chat.
They want to know about the dog. Then, if you’re lucky, they want to know about you. That could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
r/definitelytheA made friends “almost instantly” while dog walking, and lucky for Lanarkians, the Forgotten Coast is super dog-friendly. Your canine companions are welcome in many restaurants, pubs and breweries, and even on the area’s beaches (except for those in the state park). Leash up and go forth!
Move to a 55+ community that has lots of activities
That’s the advice r/Educational-Fix5320 had to offer.
“I am finding it very easy to make friends my age in the new community, and going to classes, the gym, the pool, the bocce court, the bands/dance nights, etc. has filled my life with a smorgasbord of life.”
Substitute those specific activities with all the ones found on the What’s Going On page of this site and you’ve got Lanark Village. We’re not all over 55, but many of us are.
Most of us have had careers with work friends and now we’re ready for the next phase of life. We want to have fun, meet new people, and get together to walk, talk, dance, and play.
There’s no need to starve for friendship when Lanark life offers you a buffet. Serve yourself whatever you’d like.
