How to meet new friends here in The Villages
 

Hi all:

I am an 81 year old man. I have many interests and enjoy traveling the world. I am also an on again/off again snowbird. I plan to spend much more time here, but my wife loves her home up north and will only join me a few months each spring. And that, ladies and gentlemen, leads me to my question: How does a lonely old man find friends here?

During college and during my working days as a teacher, it was a lot easier to meet people than it is here. I enjoy going to various clubs, but I can't very well choose a likely looking person in a club meeting and ask for a "play date".

Sports are out of the question. I used to try golf, but I am terrible at it, and also at most games since I've become a slowpoke.

I am not a "single" so single clubs are not on the agenda for me. At any rate, sexual activity if totally out of the question.

So, do any of you know how I can meet new people here? Actually, I am looking for a club for people seeking friends.

Any suggestions?

What do you like to do?

Take a look at the weekly recreation bulletin. There are many social clubs/activities listed in there. Cards, billiards, music, etc. I bet you'll find something you're interested in. There's a lot more than sports in The Villages.

https://www.districtgov.org/wp-conte...24-1467478.pdf

And that is just the small calendar of events for January. That doesn't include all the hundreds of clubs and meetups created by individuals.

Stay active, Awesome!

Does your neighborhood have monthly driveway parties, or groups who help others. Volunteering helps meet people

Why can’t you do that?

(Although I wouldn’t call it a play date!)

What was your draw to the Villages (or Florida) in the first place. (Maybe your answer)…..if your indicating that Golf, etc is not your expertise? I’m confused that you want to be here (warmer) and your wife is up north (colder). If you’re here for the better weather and if so are you looking for more outdoor stuff (sans sports) like the pool?

There are so many passive-type clubs that meet on a regular basis - I would begin to visit a few based on your own personal interests - you’ll quickly discover you will bond with people in some, and in some not. Church is another option where you can get involved in small group studies. I know you said sports is out of the question, but shuffleboard is fairly easy that requires little stamina, and is very social, especially the leagues. Just hanging out at coffee shops with a morning coffee and newspaper will lead you to meet and chat up others. It’s so easy to start conversations with most people here in The Villages, just by going where groups and crowds gather. Good luck - if you’re a friendly, positive, out-going person with a smile, you will easily meet friends.

Yes, I find if I am outside picking weeds for 5 minutes, someone stops to talk. In fact, I never step outside these days without proper grooming even to wash the car.

Retired educators club.

There’s a group of people who meet every morning for coffee and shoot the breeze. You didn’t say where you live but the McDonald’s on 466 between 7 and 9 a.m. is your place.

Most singles groups I’ve seen are friends based and not seeking marriage , most are looking for someone to have dinner with or meet up at the squares with. I would have a chat with my spouse about it and give it a try.

I have a beginner group of CANASTA players would you like to learn?

I'm a 81 year old guy so I understand you, I been here since I was 60 and my life has changed. Maybe have lunch at one of the squares, you can always get into a conversation with someone, try shuffle bord, or billiard's.

shuffleboard! or bocce! the villages has leagues for both....so try it and if you like it, join a team

Try bingo, lots of potential possibilities there?

Spend an afternoon at the pool. I have met so many people at the pool, just lounging and talking to people. People are very friendly and love to talk. Met a lot of friends this way.

How to meet new friends in The Villages
 

I would like to learn Canasta, where and when does your beginners group meet?
my email address: saphoto4u@gmail.com

Sharon

Consider joining the Peace, Love & Ukulele Club. Their meetings start at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays at the Laurel Manor Rec Center (except the 4th Monday of the month). I don't belong to this club but I have walked by their meetings several times and I have never seen a group of people having so much fun. If I wanted to meet new people, or just have fun, I'd buy myself a ukulele and join right on in. Their website says that they welcome all levels of experience. The instrument doesn't look like it would be hard to learn and I'm sure there are plenty of YouTube videos to get you started.
HOME - peaceloveandukuleleclub

In my area, people just stop by and say HI to anyone outside. Mornings are best, before the heat kicks in. Lots of dog walkers put in the morning.

As another has said, go to the community pool. Listen to conversations and join in them. I have yet to see anyone snub another over it.

Guess the key is to stick yourself out there a bit, which can be very hard. Just know the people here are amazing. Anyone who snubs you is someone who helped you dodge a bullet - better off without them.

As Nike would say, "just do it."

I hear you. I’m a retired professor a decade younger than you. I don’t play sports or cards or things like that, and I don’t go to places like McDonalds to drink coffee in the morning. I do play a variety of instruments at half a dozen jams here every week. That is my great joy in life.

Maybe this is America’s friendliest home town, but I’m very shy and don’t easily make friends. I have maybe fifty musician acquaintances I know by name and like. But are they friends? Not really. We’ve never gone out to do things together. I’ve never been to their homes, nor they to mine. However, they do meet my need for human contact, even though I’m alone the rest of the time. So, I’m not lonely. There are probably tens of thousands of old folks here in a similar condition or worse: alone all the time, with little contact with others. It’s just the way we are as introverts. In The Villages, we can see the extroverts having fun with each other, and maybe we are jealous, but we can’t easily go there.

Maybe organize a Men's breakfast or lunch for the men in your neighborhood?

Yes, and if you can’t play for some reason, sit down at a near by bench and occasionally comment on a good shot. Only when appropriate so not to disturb concentration. Even professional teams enjoy ”cheerleaders”.

Or as you are sitting on the bench, comment on the dog walking near by. Some of my neighbors who love dogs but don’t have one, have doggie treats in their pocket. I check with owner first.

Unfortunate that golf is off the table because as Lee Travino has always maintained “if you have difficulty meeting new people just pick up someone else’s golf ball”.

There are some 2,000 clubs in The Villages - pick what interests you and attend their meeting.

Has anyone seen a club for people who enjoy beading--(making jewelry)? That's my gig!

There’s a jewelry making club that meets weekly on Tuesdays from 1-4 at Everglades Rec center.

Btw… I’m a (former) SoCalGal too. All of our family is still there so we go back a couple times annually.

You have received some good suggestions. We are in a similar situation. In our early 80's and introverted. We're going to try to join a bunch of new clubs in 2025 and also hang out a bit at the pool. If you enjoy a conversation with someone, ask them to come over for coffee or something of the sort. It's hard but someone has to get the ball rolling to start a friendship. Good luck and keep enjoying TV.

Are there young in's in Spanish Springs area that do driveway parties or get togethers?