How to stay social after you retire

Why staying social matters

Loneliness can be an unfortunate side effect of retirement and a significant challenge for retirees—even increasing the risk of declining health, depression, and anxiety. Research on longevity reinforces this—shrinking social networks make people feel 79.5% less likely to stay healthy and 18.6% more likely to feel depressed in retirement. Strong social connections can meaningfully shape both your well‑being and how long you live. While 66.8% of people are aware that social connections have a large impact on well-being in later life, only 46.8% have taken action concerning their social networks.¹ Planning ahead can help ensure that retirement is not only financially secure but also socially fulfilling.

Easy ways to stay social in retirement

There are plenty of ways you can find new, meaningful ways to connect beyond work. Picking activities you genuinely enjoy or care about can make it easier and more enjoyable to meet people who share your interests.

Volunteer your time

Volunteering can give you a new purpose and a sense of community. Is there a cause you’d like to support through fundraising, helping at an event, or sharing your skills behind the scenes? Consider what you enjoy doing and find ways to use your talents. Organizations like VolunteerMatch, Idealist and All for Good can connect you with opportunities.

Try a second act or part-time work

Have you ever dreamed of working in a garden center or joining the ski patrol? Maybe you have special skills you'd love to share or an invention you’d like to bring to life with a patent. Now could be the perfect time to explore those possibilities.

The gig economy isn’t just for young people—retirees can also drive for ride-share services or sell their artwork through online shops too. Plus, many office jobs now offer flexible schedules, part-time options, and the convenience of working from home. Some job websites even have special filters to help retired individuals find opportunities that match their lifestyle.

Take a class

Learn a new language, study the classics, play the ukulele, or take a class on website building, woodworking, rug making, or painting. Museums, community colleges, and high schools are great places to learn new skills and connect with new people.

Connect locally

Why not consider joining a lively community center or becoming part of your faith community? It’s a wonderful way to create a supportive network right in your own neighborhood. Most towns either have their own community center or share one with neighboring towns, and you may already be involved in a faith-based community. Take a small step, get involved, and enjoy making new friends or reconnecting with old ones.

Make hobbies social

Look for local groups that share your hobbies and enjoy them together. Maybe you could help plant trees along the new rail trail, join a stitching or knitting group, or even get creative painting with friends at the local museum. Same old hobby, but with some new friends.

Create a social plan

Retirement can change the familiar routine of workplace relationships, so taking a little time to plan can make a big difference. Longevity experts recommend intentionally creating a social wellness plan—identifying current coworkers who are likely to remain lifelong friends, finding new groups or clubs to join, and knowing who your hold-your-hand friends are for emotional support and who your just-for-fun friends are for casual outings. This approach helps keep your social life vibrant and fulfilling— even after you stop working.

Make social life part of your retirement strategy

Staying social is one of the strongest predictors of a satisfying retirement. By being proactive—choosing activities you enjoy, joining communities, and nurturing friendships—you can keep the social spirit alive and build a retirement filled with connection, purpose, and joy.