As the old adage says, the journey to a thousand friends starts with a single activity. (We’re paraphrasing, but you get the idea).
One of the most common questions we hear from Hank members is “what are some good activity ideas to meet new friends”? While making friends as an older adult might sometimes feel a little different than it did in school or at work, we’ve found that the best activities to get to know new people are the same at any age. Two good rules of thumb are to keep it simple, and leave plenty of time for casual conversation.
Hank activities can be anything you have a hankering for, of course, but if you’re at a loss, here are six of our most tried and true Hank activities to make friends over 55:
It’s no surprise that meals are a longstanding recipe for friendship—we’ve seen countless Hank connections come to life over a plate of something delicious. Try out your new local bistro, make plans to dine at your favorite restaurant, meet other members for a quick breakfast down the street—all are perfect ways to raise your fork with new friends.
There’s a reason coffee chats are some of Hank’s longest running activities—nothing quite beats a cuppa for breaking the ice. Name your favorite java hut, then let your friendships percolate.
Want to explore a topic or hobby you love? Is there a show, movie, museum, or concert you’d love to share with a friend? Have an extra ticket to something coming up? There’s almost certainly another Hank member who would love to join you—go ahead and offer it up. Just don’t forget the best part of your outing—a bite or a sip before or afterwards!
Friendship’s not always a walk in the park, but there’s no reason it can’t start out that way! Getting off on the right foot can be as easy as picking a nearby spot (greenery is optional) to take a stroll with a few new folks. (Plus, walking is great for removing the distraction of your smartphone, giving you extra attention and time to chat.)
Wine pairs nicely with new friends—though so does beer, bourbon, and bubbles! Whatever your beverage of choice, casual happy hours are consistent Hank activity favorites. Belly up to your local neighborhood bar (or cafe, alcohol isn’t mandatory when making new Hank buddies!) and get to know other adults 55+ in your area.
Sitting silently in the dark might not seem like the best way to get to know someone, but it’s the pre- and post-movie chatter that can make friendship magic—we’ve seen it happen at our Hank movie nights! Propose an activity to see the latest flick in your neighborhood, then settle in to ogle the stars. Pssst, hot tip: Regal and AMC Cinemas offer $5 movie nights nationwide, every Tuesday.
Sometimes, the very best activities are those that don’t require any planning at all, and fit nicely into your pre-existing daily routine. Trade some meal ideas on a Trader Joe’s excursion. Stop into your new neighborhood boutique. Polish up a new friendship over a little relaxation and a new manicure. Don’t overthink it! Activities don’t need to be grandiose; impromptu get-togethers can be even better ways to meet new people.
These activity ideas are deceptively simple, but trust us: they’re amongst the best ways to meet new people and make new friends. Get started building your own Hank activity now!
