Let me be completely honest with you – making new friends after 50 isn’t always easy. Life changes, people move on, and suddenly you realise your social circle has shrunk without you even noticing. Maybe the kids have left home, you’ve retired, or you’ve simply grown apart from old colleagues. Whatever the reason, you’re not alone if you’re wondering how to expand your social world.
That’s exactly where I found myself not too long ago. So I decided to do something about it. Over the past couple of years, I’ve actively sought out hobbies for meeting people after 50, testing everything from hiking groups to pottery classes. Some were brilliant. Others? Let’s just say they weren’t quite my cup of tea. But each experience taught me something valuable about connection, community, and what it really takes to build meaningful friendships in this chapter of life.
Here’s what I discovered – and my honest take on which hobbies genuinely deliver when it comes to meeting like-minded people.
Why Hobbies for Meeting People After 50 Matter More Than Ever
Before I dive into my experiences, let’s talk about why this matters so much. Research consistently shows that social connection is one of the biggest predictors of health and happiness as we age. Loneliness isn’t just uncomfortable – it can genuinely impact our wellbeing. Yet so many of us struggle to admit we want more friends or don’t know where to start looking.
The beauty of pursuing hobbies for meeting people after 50 is that you’re not just showing up to “make friends” (which can feel awkward and forced). You’re showing up to do something you enjoy, and friendships naturally develop from shared experiences. There’s no pressure, no small talk about the weather – just genuine connection over a common interest.
The 15 Hobbies I Tried: My Honest Reviews
1. Walking and Hiking Groups
My verdict: Absolutely brilliant
This was my starting point, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I joined a local rambling group, and within weeks I’d met a fantastic group of people across all ages. There’s something about walking side by side that makes conversation flow naturally. You’re not staring at each other across a table – you’re moving together, taking in scenery, and chatting about everything and nothing.
The fitness benefits are a bonus too. My Fitbit tells me I’m averaging over 11,000 steps on group walk days, and the miles genuinely fly by when you’re in good company.
2. Photography Classes
My verdict: Surprisingly social
I’ll admit I signed up for a local photography course mainly to improve my skills, but it turned out to be wonderfully social. We’d head out on group shoots together, critique each other’s work (kindly!), and share tips over coffee afterwards. The shared creative pursuit creates instant common ground.
3. Book Clubs
My verdict: Hit or miss
I tried two different book clubs. One felt cliquey and unwelcoming; the other became a monthly highlight I genuinely looked forward to. My advice? Don’t give up if your first attempt doesn’t click. The right book club offers brilliant discussions and real friendship potential.
4. Volunteering
My verdict: Deeply rewarding
Whether it’s helping at a local charity shop, supporting community events, or mentoring younger people, volunteering introduces you to incredibly kind-hearted individuals. The people you meet while giving back tend to share similar values, which is a wonderful foundation for friendship.
5. Choir or Singing Groups
My verdict: Pure joy
Even if you think you can’t sing (I was convinced I couldn’t), community choirs are incredibly welcoming. The act of singing together releases endorphins and creates an instant sense of belonging. I’ve met some wonderful people through singing who I’d never have crossed paths with otherwise.
6. Golf
My verdict: Great if you have patience
Golf is famously social, and the pace of the game allows for plenty of conversation. However, there’s a significant time and financial investment to consider. If you’re already interested in the sport, joining a club can open doors to a ready-made community.
7. Art and Pottery Classes
My verdict: Therapeutic and friendly
There’s something wonderfully levelling about everyone being equally bad at pottery when they start! Creative classes attract lovely people, and there’s plenty of time for chatting while your hands are busy. I found pottery particularly meditative and the community warm and encouraging.
8. Tennis or Pickleball
My verdict: Excellent for active socialising
Pickleball has exploded in popularity among our age group, and for good reason. It’s easier on the joints than tennis but still provides a proper workout. The doubles format means you’re always meeting new playing partners, and the social scene around these sports is thriving.
9. Language Learning Groups
My verdict: Intellectually stimulating
Joining a conversational language group (I tried Spanish) combines mental stimulation with social connection. You’re all making mistakes together, which creates a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere. Plus, you might find travel companions for future adventures!
10. Gardening Clubs and Allotments
My verdict: Peaceful and grounding
If you love being outdoors and watching things grow, gardening communities are wonderfully welcoming. Allotment holders are generous with advice, plants, and conversation. It’s slower-paced socialising, but deeply satisfying.
11. Dance Classes
My verdict: Fun but intimidating at first
I’ll be honest – walking into my first dance class felt terrifying. But once I got over myself, it became genuinely enjoyable. Partner dancing especially forces you to connect with others, and the regular class format means you see the same faces each week.
12. Gaming Groups (Board Games, Not Video Games)
My verdict: Underrated gem
Board game cafes and clubs have become increasingly popular, and they attract a diverse, friendly crowd. Games provide natural structure to social interaction, taking the pressure off conversation while still allowing connection.
13. Fitness Classes
My verdict: Depends on the format
Group fitness classes can be social, but some formats (like a packed spin class) don’t really allow for chatting. I’ve found smaller group sessions and classes with a social element before or after work best for actually meeting people.
14. Travel Groups
My verdict: Intensive bonding
Joining a group trip (whether an organised tour or a walking holiday) creates accelerated friendships. You’re spending concentrated time together, sharing meals and experiences. Some of the people I’ve met travelling have become lasting friends.
15. Local History and Special Interest Groups
My verdict: Perfect for curious minds
Whatever you’re interested in – local history, astronomy, birdwatching, classic cars – there’s probably a group for it. These attract passionate, interesting people who love sharing their knowledge.
What I Learned About Finding Hobbies for Meeting People After 50
After trying all these activities, a few things became crystal clear:
Consistency matters. The hobbies where I made genuine friends were the ones I showed up to regularly. It takes time to move from “that person from walking group” to actual friendship. Keep turning up.
Follow your genuine interests. Don’t force yourself into activities you hate just because they’re “social.” If you’re miserable, you won’t radiate the kind of energy that attracts friends. Choose hobbies you’d enjoy even if you didn’t meet anyone.
Be open and approachable. Smile. Ask questions. Remember names. Suggest grabbing a coffee after the activity. Small gestures signal that you’re open to connection.
Don’t take rejection personally. Not everyone is looking for new friends, and that’s okay. Keep being friendly without attachment to outcomes.
The Best Hobbies for Meeting People After 50: My Top Picks
If I had to narrow it down, my top recommendations for hobbies for meeting people after 50 would be walking groups, volunteering, and any activity-based class you genuinely enjoy. These offer the perfect combination of regular contact, natural conversation opportunities, and shared purpose.
The beautiful truth is that it’s never too late to expand your social circle. Every person I’ve met on this journey has enriched my life in some way – even the hobbies that didn’t stick introduced me to interesting people and taught me something about myself.
So my challenge to you is this: pick one hobby from this list that appeals to you and give it a genuine try. Show up at least three times before you decide if it’s working. You might be surprised at who you meet and how quickly “that person from the group” becomes a real friend.
Your best life after 50 includes people who see you, support you, and share in your journey. These hobbies for meeting people after 50 are simply the doorway. All you have to do is walk through.
