Let’s be honest—making new friends after 50 can feel a bit like dating. There’s that same flutter of nervousness, the wondering if you’ll click, and the slight awkwardness of putting yourself out there. But here’s what I’ve learned: friendship at this stage of life is absolutely worth the effort, and thanks to technology and community groups, it’s actually easier than you might think.
I remember the first time I considered using an app to make friends. I felt a bit silly, if I’m honest. Wasn’t I supposed to have my friendship circle all sorted by now? But life has a way of shifting things around—relocations, retirement, changing interests, or simply growing apart from people who were once close. And you know what? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with actively seeking new connections.
Why Friendship Matters More Than Ever After 50
Before we dive into the practical how-to, let’s talk about why this matters. Research consistently shows that strong social connections are one of the biggest predictors of happiness and longevity as we age. Friendships reduce stress, boost our mental health, keep our brains sharp, and even strengthen our immune systems.
But it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality. At this stage of life, we’re less interested in superficial connections and more drawn to genuine, meaningful relationships. We want friends who get us, who share our values, and who are up for both deep conversations and silly laughs.
The challenge? Our natural friend-making environments have often disappeared. We’re not necessarily in the office every day, our kids aren’t bringing us together with other parents, and our neighborhoods might not be as social as they once were. That’s where intentional friend-making comes in.
The Best Apps for Making Friends After 50
Let me walk you through some apps that actually work for our age group. I’ve done the research (and yes, I’ve tried a few myself), so you don’t have to wade through apps designed for twenty-somethings.
Meetup
This is probably the most well-established option, and for good reason. Meetup connects you with local groups based on your interests. Love hiking? There’s a group for that. Want to practice your Spanish? You’ll find conversation partners. Into board games, book clubs, or photography? Meetup has you covered.
What I love about it: You’re meeting people who already share at least one interest with you, which takes away that awkward “so, what do you like to do?” conversation starter. Plus, you’re meeting in person from the start, doing activities you already enjoy.
Insider tip: Don’t just join groups—attend regularly. Friendships form through repeated encounters, so showing up consistently to the same group gives you the best chance of forming real connections.
Bumble BFF
You might know Bumble as a dating app, but their BFF mode is specifically designed for platonic friendships. You create a profile highlighting your interests and what you’re looking for in a friend, then swipe through potential matches in your area.
What I love about it: The interface is straightforward, and you can be really specific about what you’re looking for. Want someone to try new restaurants with? Looking for a walking buddy? You can put that right in your profile.
Reality check: Like any swipe-based app, it requires a bit of persistence. Not everyone you match with will lead to a lasting friendship, but that’s okay. Think of it as practice in putting yourself out there.
Nextdoor
While technically a neighborhood app, Nextdoor has become an unexpected friendship goldmine for many people over 50. It’s designed to connect you with people who live near you, and many neighborhoods have active social groups within the app.
What I love about it: The hyperlocal nature means you might find your next best friend living three streets away. There are often neighborhood events, interest groups, and even spontaneous coffee meetups organized through the app.
Pro tip: Look beyond the general feed (which can sometimes devolve into complaints about parking) and seek out the groups and events sections.
Meetup Alternatives: Eventbrite
If Meetup doesn’t have much happening in your area, Eventbrite is worth exploring. While it’s primarily an event-listing platform, many social events—from wine tastings to art classes—are perfect for meeting like-minded people.
Stitch
This app is specifically designed for people over 50 looking for companionship, whether that’s friendship, travel companions, or romance. It has a strong focus on safety and verification, which many users appreciate.
What I love about it: Everyone on the platform is in a similar life stage, so there’s an immediate understanding of what you might be going through. The app also organizes virtual and in-person events specifically for members.
Beyond Apps: Traditional Meetup Groups That Work
Technology is fantastic, but sometimes the old-fashioned approach works just as well. Here are some tried-and-true ways to meet people:
Community Education Classes
Whether it’s your local college, library, or community center, classes are friendship gold. You’ll see the same faces week after week, you’re learning something new together, and there’s built-in conversation material.
I’ve heard from readers who’ve made lifelong friends through watercolor painting classes, creative writing workshops, and even computer skills courses. The shared learning experience creates a natural bond.
Volunteer Organizations
Volunteering serves a double purpose: you’re contributing to something meaningful while meeting people who share your values. Whether it’s a charity shop, animal shelter, environmental organization, or community food bank, regular volunteering creates natural opportunities for friendships to develop.
Walking or Hiking Groups
Many communities have organized walking groups, often through parks departments or organizations like the Ramblers Association. These are brilliant because you’re active, outdoors, and the side-by-side nature of walking makes conversation feel less pressured than sitting face-to-face.
Book Clubs
The classic friendship maker. Libraries, bookshops, and community centers often host them, or you can start your own through Meetup or Facebook groups. Even if you don’t love every book choice, the discussions and connections make it worthwhile.
Special Interest Clubs
Whatever your passion—gardening, photography, genealogy, classic cars, bird watching—there’s likely a club for it. These groups are fantastic because the shared interest gives you instant common ground and endless topics of conversation.
Making It Work: Tips for Successful Friend-Finding
Having the right platforms and groups is one thing; actually forming friendships is another. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Show up consistently. Friendships rarely form from a single encounter. Commit to attending regularly, even when you don’t feel like it. Those familiar faces become friendly faces become actual friends.
Be the initiator. Don’t wait for others to suggest coffee or a walk. Take the initiative to suggest meeting outside the regular group setting. Yes, it feels vulnerable, but most people are delighted to be asked.
Be genuinely curious. Ask questions, remember details people share, follow up on things they’ve mentioned. This isn’t about keeping score—it’s about showing genuine interest in others’ lives.
Be patient with yourself. If you’re naturally shy or it’s been a while since you’ve made new friends, give yourself grace. It gets easier with practice, and every interaction is building your confidence.
Manage your expectations. Not every person you meet will become a close friend, and that’s perfectly fine. Some people might become activity buddies, others might be occasional lunch companions, and a few might become truly close friends. They all add richness to your life.
Overcoming the Mental Hurdles
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the voices in our head that tell us this is weird or desperate or too late. I’ve heard them all—from myself and from readers.
“Everyone already has their friendship groups sorted.” Maybe, but people are almost always open to new connections. You’re not trying to break into an exclusive club; you’re offering yourself as a potential friend, which is a gift.
“What if they don’t like me?” What if they do? And honestly, not everyone will be your cup of tea, and you won’t be everyone’s either. That’s not a failure—that’s just finding your people.
“I’m too old to be making new friends.” This is perhaps the biggest myth we need to bust. Research shows that friendship quality often improves as we age because we’re better at knowing what we want and need. You’re not too old—you’re actually at the perfect age to form meaningful connections.
A Personal Perspective
I won’t pretend that every attempt at making new friends has been successful. I’ve joined groups where I didn’t quite fit, attended events where I felt awkward, and had coffee dates that didn’t lead anywhere. But I’ve also made wonderful connections that have enriched my life immeasurably.
The friends I’ve made in this chapter of life understand where I am now, not just where I’ve been. They’re dealing with similar life transitions, similar questions about purpose and identity, similar joys and challenges. There’s something incredibly validating about friendships formed at this stage.
Your Action Plan
If you’re ready to expand your social circle, here’s how to start:
- Choose one platform or group that appeals to you. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying everything at once.
- Commit to showing up at least three times before deciding if it’s right for you. First encounters are almost always awkward.
- Set a small goal like having a conversation with at least one new person at each event.
- Follow up with anyone you click with. Suggest a coffee, exchange phone numbers, or connect on social media.
- Be consistent for at least a month before evaluating. Friendships take time to develop.
Remember, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, but the second-best time is now. The same applies to friendships. Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.
Life after 50 is too good to experience alone. The friends you make now might just become the companions for your most exciting chapters yet. So download that app, sign up for that class, or show up to that meetup group. Your future friend might be waiting there, feeling just as nervous and hopeful as you are.
