People are connecting while doing something they already enjoy. And it’s working. Photo: Deposit Photos

Making friends as an adult isn’t always easy. Most of us no longer meet people through school, and many retirees miss the built-in social network that came with a daily commute and a desk near the break room.

If it feels harder than it used to, that’s not in your head. According to the Survey Center on American Life, the share of Americans who say they have no close friends has quadrupled since 1990, from 3% to 17% as of 2024. Much of that shift traces back to lost everyday structure — fewer people meeting friends at school, at work, or in the neighborhood the way earlier generations did.

The good news: a growing number of adults are finding a simple fix — joining communities built around shared interests.

Whether it’s a walking group, book club, pickleball league, volunteer project, gardening club, cooking class, travel group, or lifelong learning program, people are connecting while doing something they already enjoy. And it’s working. A University of Michigan National Poll found that 90% of adults 50 and older have at least one close friend, and 75% say they have enough close friends — often built through exactly these kinds of activities.

Travel can be another natural way to meet people. Group tours, educational travel programs, volunteer vacations, and special-interest trips often bring together people who already share a passion for history, food, culture, nature, or adventure. Many travelers discover that some of the most memorable parts of a trip are the friendships formed along the way.

Why Connection Matters More Than You Think

Strong social connections do more than make life enjoyable. They can have a meaningful impact on health and well-being.

In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued a national advisory declaring loneliness a public health crisis, noting that poor social connection carries health risks comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day and is linked to a higher risk of dementia, heart disease, depression, and other health challenges.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development — one of the longest-running studies of happiness and well-being ever conducted — reached a simple conclusion: people with strong relationships tend to be happier, healthier, and live longer than those who are socially isolated.

Friendship Looks Different Than It Used To — And That’s Okay

Rather than relying on neighbors or coworkers, many adults today are forming friendships through activities and hobbies. These connections often feel more natural because they start with common ground already in place. The Survey Center on American Life found that one in five Americans with close friends made one through a club or organization they belong to — and that people with larger friend groups consistently spend more time at libraries, restaurants, and community events than those with few or no close friends.

Technology plays a supporting role too — but it’s not a replacement for face time. And contrary to the idea that social media is a young person’s game, adults 45-plus are showing up on more platforms than ever:

• Facebook remains the home base for staying connected with family, friends, community organizations, and local events.
• YouTube has become a favorite destination for learning new skills, exploring hobbies, planning travel, following fitness programs, and discovering new interests.
• Instagram continues to attract adults 50-plus who enjoy sharing travel experiences, family milestones, gardening, cooking, photography, and other lifestyle interests.
• LinkedIn remains valuable for professional networking, consulting opportunities, volunteer leadership roles, and encore careers.

Used well, these tools can help you discover local groups, reconnect with old friends, and stay in touch with family between in-person visits.

Ready to Expand Your Social Circle?

You don’t need a packed calendar or a hundred new friends — just a few genuine connections that enrich your life.

Consider:

• Taking a class at a local community college, library, or recreation center.
• Joining a walking, hiking, cycling, or pickleball group.
• Volunteering for a cause that matters to you.
• Attending community events, lectures, or cultural programs.
• Participating in a faith-based or civic organization.
• Trying a new hobby and connecting with others who share your interests.

Sometimes all it takes is saying yes to a new activity, showing up, and staying open to meeting someone new. Your next friendship may be waiting at a book club, a volunteer event, a cooking class — or on the trail during your next adventure.