single, relocating -- how meet people? how get involved? (community, retired, movies)

[scrappinJudy]

I'm single & will probably relocate to new area.
If I don't live in a "community" (active adult or other), how does one meet people, get established & get involved in activities?

I've been retired for about a decade now & find I have become more & more isolated. And, this is in an area I've lived in for most of my adult life!

[leorah]

What's worked for me every time I've moved or changed life circumstances (widowed and retired) is to find a place to volunteer whose goals and mission match my own and where I can make a contribution. Sharing mutual interests makes it almost effortless to meet new, compatible people. After I was widowed 13 years ago I found myself kind of lost. Old friends were couples and I didn't fit in with them very well any more. I found myself becoming a hermit, until one day I decided enough was enough. I volunteered at a local recycling center and over the next two years participated in the development and construction of a new facility. I met a nice guy who I married eight years ago, and although we moved out of town, we are still friends with the folks from that group and we see each other often. When I retired I had to replace work and work friends so I volunteered for a non-profit and I've made so many new, good friends there.

It may be worth a try for you.

[Keeper]

I agree, find something you believe in and volunteer. That is how I met most of the ppl I know after I moved to a new town. Didn't meet a new man though.

Most orgs need volunteers from hospitals to schools. I volunteer with a food network and an animal rescue group. Church is another way to meet ppl if you are so inclined. Also check out meetup.com depending on your area, you might find a group that shares your interest.

I am considering maybe volunteering at the hospital this fall and joining a bridge club if I can remember how to play.

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by leorah

What's worked for me every time I've moved or changed life circumstances (widowed and retired) is to find a place to volunteer whose goals and mission match my own and where I can make a contribution. Sharing mutual interests makes it almost effortless to meet new, compatible people. After I was widowed 13 years ago I found myself kind of lost. Old friends were couples and I didn't fit in with them very well any more. I found myself becoming a hermit, until one day I decided enough was enough. I volunteered at a local recycling center and over the next two years participated in the development and construction of a new facility. I met a nice guy who I married eight years ago, and although we moved out of town, we are still friends with the folks from that group and we see each other often. When I retired I had to replace work and work friends so I volunteered for a non-profit and I've made so many new, good friends there.
It may be worth a try for you.

But do you see them away from the volunteer situation. Go to dinner or movies or anything?

[leorah]

Originally Posted by staywarm2

But do you see them away from the volunteer situation. Go to dinner or movies or anything?

Yes indeed! We get together every couple of months with our friends from the recycling group for dinner, and three times a year we join them at a local church to prepare and deliver meals to local shut-ins. (This is quite cool, because we are Jewish and they aren't. We volunteered to help with Christmas and Easter so the "regulars" could enjoy the holiday. We had so much fun they join us now.) We met two new people at the church and we go out with them once in a while, too.

As far as the new group goes, several of us get together every week or so to go to lunch. We meet to plan fundraising events and do some social stuff, too.

So, yes, these are solid personal relationships, and considering how busy everyone is these days, I feel very lucky to know these folks.

[nancy thereader]

What a great story, leorah and what a fabulous outcome for you. You have a real positive outlook which I am sure helps.

[Laura707]

I was going to suggesting to volunteer also. That is a great way to meet people and make new friends and find someplace where you belong. Free help is always needed and appreciated.

[staywarm2]

Originally Posted by leorah

Yes indeed! We get together every couple of months with our friends from the recycling group for dinner, and three times a year we join them at a local church to prepare and deliver meals to local shut-ins. (This is quite cool, because we are Jewish and they aren't. We volunteered to help with Christmas and Easter so the "regulars" could enjoy the holiday. We had so much fun they join us now.) We met two new people at the church and we go out with them once in a while, too.

As far as the new group goes, several of us get together every week or so to go to lunch. We meet to plan fundraising events and do some social stuff, too.

So, yes, these are solid personal relationships, and considering how busy everyone is these days, I feel very lucky to know these folks.

That's great! A double good result!