Whether you’re young or not, you have to admit that surrounding yourself with people with whom you can have a good time and share good memories is always a pleasure that you can’t deny yourself. What’s more, even if being alone can sometimes be beneficial, having friends isn’t bad either. And even more so when the years start to catch up with us. Quite simply, because once you hit middle age, loneliness can become a real source of suffering.

At its worst, loneliness can even increase the risk of hypertension. Especially in people over 50. This is the finding of a study by American psychologist Dr. Hawkley. And why deprive yourself of good company when it’s so easy these days to make friendly senior acquaintances?

Senior dating: why is it a great idea?

You’re probably familiar with the famous Latin proverb: “Qui invenit amicum, invenit thesaurum”. Or “Who finds a friend, finds a treasure” in its English translation. Well, believe it or not, you’re far from imagining just how precious friends can be, just like the most beautiful gems in the world. In fact, have you ever wondered why International Friendship Day exists? The answer is simple! Having friends can only be good for your health and your morale. Especially when you’re of a certain age.

In fact, according to a number of scientific studies, making friends with senior citizens contributes greatly to their well-being. And with good reason! The warmth of social relationships and the sense of trust they create help optimize brain function. In fact, strong social relationships (friendship and love) have been shown to considerably reduce stress and anxiety levels, as well as the risk of depression. At stake is the secretion of oxytocin, also known as the pleasure hormone. The latter is said to increase by over 30% when in contact with friends. What’s more, a recent study by Northwestern Medicine University in Chicago shows that maintaining a network of friends helps slow the process of memory degradation. An excellent way to combat Alzheimer’s.

And then, around the age of 50, retirement is fast approaching, the children have left the nest and are starting their own families. It’s the perfect time to enjoy life to the full. But also to discover new people and new horizons. The best way to do this is to make friends with seniors. And having friends of the same age is always the assurance of sharing the same interests and pleasures.

So how do you make friends over 50?

Unlike years gone by, making friends with seniors was a mountain to overcome. Today, there are many ways to make friends even after 50. Here are just a few of them:

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE
Don’t just sit on the couch and watch televison. Every now and then, give yourself some time out of the house. Not only to discover the world around you. But above all, to make wonderful senior friends.

Who knows, you might even make friends with the librarian who happens to be the same age as you. In the park, you could also meet lively, energetic seniors. In short, whether they’re cultural or just for fun, your outings will be ideal opportunities for bonding.

PUT YOUR TRUST IN SENIOR DATING SITES
No, you’re not dreaming: senior dating sites aren’t just for forty, fifty, sixty, seventy-something… geniuses looking for their soulmate. You can still find good friends on the Internet and make great senior friends. After all, friendship and love always go hand in hand, and love often begins with friendship.

And as you probably know, things are often easier on the Internet. You can get to know other people, forge links and build confidence before eventually meeting up. So if you’re a shy person who has trouble approaching strangers, dating sites are perfect for you. What’s more, these websites are now ultra-intuitive and easy to use. So you don’t have to be a cyberaddict to find your way around.

WHY NOT VOLUNTEER WITH AN ASSOCIATION?
Helping others is also an excellent way of making friendly senior acquaintances. In fact, while you’re having fun helping people in need, you’ll be able to forge
make new friends and friendships.

And best of all, you’ll meet people with the same interests and passions as you. What’s more, there are so many associations to choose from these days.

Of course, these are just a few examples of how to find friends over 50. There are many other alternatives, too. Such as social clubs, tea dances, leisure activities…

Making friends over 50: a few rules to follow

As you’ve no doubt gathered by now, there are many ways to make great senior friends. However, it’s important to understand that you have to make others want to get to know you. To do this, you need to be open, not closed in on yourself, and willing to reveal yourself. Even if you’re shy by nature, you need to do your utmost to keep the conversation interesting and lively. Whether you’re on a dating site/app or face-to-face.

You should also be aware that listening to the people you’re talking to is essential if you want to build strong bonds based on trust. That’s why you need to show tolerance and kindness.

In short, whether you’re 30, 40, 50 or over, making new friends at any age is possible… Provided you put a little effort into it. In fact, as we mentioned earlier, a whole host of solutions exist that are as effective as they are practical. If you like meeting new people, get out and meet new people. In the park, in restaurant, at the library… it all depends on what you like. On the other hand, if you have a rather reserved temperament, there’s always the possibility of meeting new people on the Internet. So, are you ready to take the plunge and make some new friends?