The danger of social isolation has long been recognized by medical researchers and healthcare professionals, but the issue gained broader attention during the pandemic. Restrictions on social gatherings during that time opened many people’s eyes to the harmful effects of social isolation. While this threat was temporary for most people worldwide, many seniors continue to live mostly isolated lives.

According to the Mayo Clinic, loneliness is linked to depression, anxiety, higher suicide risk, and various chronic health issues. This is a worrying assessment, made even more disturbing by the overall decline in social interactions, as shown by the 2021 American Perspectives Survey. Participants reported having fewer close friendships than before, speaking with friends less often, and depending less on friends for personal support.

This situation is tough for adults of all ages, but it can be especially hard for older adults, who might be coping with the loss of a spouse or other close confidantes they would normally turn to for support. Engaging in hobbies that encourage social interaction can help seniors rebuild friendships and forge new ones, offering benefits that can significantly improve their overall health. With that in mind, adults experiencing a shrinking social circle in mid-life or retirement can turn to these activities to reconnect and expand their social lives.

Book club

A book club offers many benefits to adults. Book clubs are naturally social and tend to bring together like-minded individuals, helping to build new and lasting friendships that extend beyond weekly meetings. A 2021 study published in the journal Neurology also found that regular reading is linked to a lower risk of developing dementia.

Sports

Sports offer another way to connect with like-minded people. Golf isn’t a team sport, but it’s usually played in groups of two or four, making it an excellent activity for adults with free time to go out and meet others. Leagues for softball, bowling, and pickleball also provide opportunities to socialize, and many adults join these leagues for that purpose. A Civic Science study released in 2025 showed that 49% of adults planning to join recreational sports leagues did so for social interaction and to make friends.

Travel

Traveling offers another way for aging adults to make friends. Group tours to foreign countries, day trips to local attractions organized by township recreational offices, or even overseas trips with friends you’ve lost touch with can be great opportunities to form new friendships, reconnect with old ones, and get you out of the house.

These are some ways for men and women to leave the house and socialize with others their age, which can be a valuable activity that greatly benefits adults’ overall health.