Many people discover that, as they get older, they tend to spend more time at home. While enjoying the peace and quiet of your house during retirement is a worthwhile way to ground yourself and embrace rest, it is important to continue staying social! However, you might feel like all the events in your neighborhood are geared toward younger folks. Where are the activities and events for people 50+?
Thankfully, Northern Virginia is home to a community that eagerly welcomes its aging family. From senior centers specifically catering to their needs to local classes that encourage participants of all ages to apply, there are plenty of places to meet new friends and stay social after 50. This can improve your mental health, but it also has physical effects you might be underestimating.
Why Staying Social Can Save Lives
As of 2023, as many as one in three adults reported feeling isolated, having one or fewer moments of contact with another person per week. Of those, about 9% only saw one person per month. While feeling lonely is an emotional experience no one deserves, it also has significant effects on your health.
This is why staying social after 50 is so essential. It significantly reduces the likelihood of developing multiple severe health issues. Studies indicate that socializing can help seniors decrease their mortality rates (from any cause) as well as reduce the occurrence rate of challenges such as dementia.
If you are still uncertain about getting out and about, know that you are doing yourself a favor by finding friends!
The Top Five Places to Meet New Friends After 50
NOVA offers a host of social opportunities for people of any age. If you need some inspiration for where to start finding new friends and staying social, try:
Clubs
Clubs (not the kind with thumping music!) remain one of the most popular ways for seniors to find like-minded individuals. Friendships are most easily established when people have something in common, so consider joining clubs in your area to find others who share your interests.
Common clubs include book or movie clubs, craft clubs, or groups that get together to watch sports. However, anything goes; you can likely find clubs for gardening, ping pong, or collecting vinyl albums if you look hard enough! If a club doesn’t exist in your area, consider starting one yourself. You might be surprised at how many people share your interest.
Local non-profit events
Local organizations such as Shepherd’s Centers often host events open to participants of all ages. For instance, SCNOVA is collaborating with the St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Vienna to offer a Holiday Tea & Sweets Celebration on December 9. Stop by St. Mark’s Catholic Church (9970 Vale Rd, Vienna, VA 22181) from noon to 2 pm to enjoy holiday-themed teas, sweet snacks, and fun, local entertainment.
Fitness classes
Staying active is another beneficial habit you can develop later in life. It also happens to be a great way to meet people! You do not need to take fitness seriously or maintain the same level of endurance as a young athlete; many locations offer classes specifically catered to the physical abilities of older individuals.
Entertainment
Enjoying your favorite forms of entertainment can help you bump shoulders with others who share your enthusiasm. Consider options such as swimming, ping pong, bowling, and more if you want to participate in sports yourself, or find a group that wants to go to the baseball game together on Sunday.
Play board games at hobby stores, find online friends to do Scrabble with, or explore local restaurant trivia nights. If you enjoy music, visiting local performances or even making one of your own can be a powerful way to bring people together and get out of the house for some fun.
Education
Did you know that many local institutions encourage older adults to participate? Northern Virginia Community College, for example, allows lower-income individuals over the age of 60 who have lived in Virginia for at least a year to use a tuition waiver to take classes for free. Sharpen your skills with a language class, an exploration into science, or other topics that fascinate you!
Stay Social No Matter Your Age
Are you struggling to meet new friends and stay social after turning 50? This is a common challenge, but Northern Virginia is a supportive community that can provide exciting opportunities. Contact us to discover how the Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia is making a difference in communities such as Oakton, Vienna, Dunn Loring-Merrifield, Great Falls, Herndon, and Reston. If you’re outside these areas but have questions, give us a call, and we’ll guide you to the Shepherd’s Center nearest to you!