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?