A 26% increase in mortality can be attributed to loneliness, which is a serious problem. But, feeling alone is quite natural. In reality, as we age, the chance of social interaction decreases and making new friends might become more challenging. Regardless of how it may seem, you’re not alone in this. We've compiled 15 strategies for meeting new people in your middle years: 1. Join an organisation or club dedicated to your hobbies. You can meet people in clubs who share your interests, values, and hobbies. They may help you feel like you belong and have somewhere to go, which can ultimately make you happier and healthier. 2. Participate in philanthropic work through volunteering Our lives and the communities in which we live can be significantly impacted by volunteering at a non-profit organisation. According to researchers, contributing enhances relationships, one's feeling of purpose, and overall wellness. Participants in a study presented in the Journal of Health Psychology reported greater happiness with life, enthusiasm, and self-worth. 3. If something interests you, enrol in a class about it. Courses and seminars are fantastic resources for strengthening existing skills, learning new ones, and gaining knowledge that will be useful in both our personal and professional life. Also, taking part can compel us to step beyond our usual environment, resulting in self-discovery and improvement. 4. Seek out new hobbies Having a pastime can help you feel better mentally, alleviate stress, and boost your mood. Hence, they provide dimension to our lives and enhance our wellness; they’re more than simply a method to pass the time. 5. Take part in nearby celebrations including fairs and other festivities Whether you reside in a village or town, you're probably aware of community events happening. Even if you've avoided them in the past, partaking can enrich our lives and benefit the community. We have the opportunity to interact with locals, and the fact that many of these events have a rich history contributes to us feeling proud of our roots. 6. Use social media to connect with people from all over the world Social media has had a profound impact on how people contact and converse with one another. These websites provide a number of features that help users locate other members. At the stroke of a key, we can now join online groups and forums that correspond with our personal interests. Bear in mind, however, that not all internet relationships are sincere or safe. 7. Attend networking events for business professionals A fantastic approach to meet those with similar professions and lifestyles is at business networking sessions. They provide us with a place for dynamic and enjoyable exchanges, helping widen our social network and expanding our list of contacts at the same time. 8. Approach another lonely person and begin a discussion In a café, it's typical for individuals to sit alone, so if you find yourself there, this might be a great chance to begin a conversation with someone. You may start a new friendship by just talking to someone our age. Why couldn't the person you sit next to at the coffee shop wind up being a new friend? 9. Meet up with old classmates Alumni gatherings offer opportunities to meet new individuals as well as catch up with old classmates. Because of how much we can change through time, it's a wonderful chance to reconnect. Furthermore, reflect, but if you meet someone new at the reunion, you'll already be on good terms because you attended the same school. 10. Support for isolated people At first, admitting that you feel alone might be difficult, but there are support groups out there. Finding others who understand your experience can be quite beneficial. Because everyone in the group is there for the same reason, there's a sense of respect among members, which could lead to friendships forming. Although it could be intimidating to attend a support group for the first time, keep in mind that everyone there is similar to you and seeks friendship. 11. Seek out those who share your religious or spiritual beliefs Religious or spiritual entities can give people a sense of belonging via their shared system of values. They also frequently plan events and gatherings where attendees may socialise. For instance, they frequently get involved with an array of volunteer or community programmes. Even if you don't identify with a particular religious group, there are many spiritual groups that focus on contemplation, meditation, and other fulfilling activities. 12. Join a language exchange initiative We can broaden our perspectives and meet individuals from all different backgrounds by learning a new language. The purpose of language exchange programmes is to pair native speakers of various dialects in order to speak and learn about one another's cultures. 13. Attend a book club and lose yourself in a good novel A smart way to read more books and meet others is by joining a reading group. People get together to discuss chosen works, which might bring up topics of debate that wouldn’t otherwise be discussed in your day-to-day conversations. 14. Book a group getaway and join others on a catered trip Doing things as a group naturally fosters friendships, whether you're exploring a new place, strolling through landscaped parks, or taking a culinary tour. Not only that, but it's a fantastic way to expand our horizons and get out of the day-to-day. 15. Strive to say yes Research has demonstrated the advantages of being more inclined to say "yes" to invitations to social events. For instance, a study that appeared in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships indicated that those who were more socially active generally reported being happier. Furthermore, social contact can lower stress, according to a different study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.