Your retirement plan outlines how you’re going to replace the financial aspects of working—but have you considered how you’re going to replace the social parts? Gossiping with co-workers about a company announcement or talking about last night's game at the coffee maker are actually important social engagements. Socializing in retirement can help you keep up on the latest Netflix show or winners of last week's bridge tournament—and help you stay healthy at the same time.

Loneliness can be an unfortunate side effect of retiring. One in four Americans over age 65 is socially isolated. Loneliness, difficult to experience in its own right, may also increase:

• Your risk of premature death
• Depression and anxiety
• Your risk of dementia

Plan ahead to fill your life with social interaction and build a social network. Choose activities you enjoy or care about, and you’re likely to find people you have something in common with. 

• Volunteer—Is there a cause you’d like to support by fundraising, working at an event, or helping with the books? Think about what you like to do and find ways to lend your talents. Here are some resources to help you find an opportunity:
  • VolunteerMatch
    
  • Idealist
  • All for Good
• Start a second career—Have you always wanted to work in a garden center or join the ski patrol? Or do you have some skills you want to teach others or an invention you’d like to patent? Now may be the time! 

The gig economy isn’t just for millennials—retirees can drive for a ride share company or sell artwork on Etsy, too. Even office jobs are offering flexible schedules, part-time options, and, of course, the ability to work from home. Some job search sites even have a special filter to help retired people find jobs. 

• Take classes—Learn a new language, study the classics, play the ukulele, or take a class on website building, woodworking, rug making, or painting. Museums, community colleges, and high schools are great places for learning a new skill and connecting with new people.
• Join a community center or get involved in your faith community—Create a support system that’s close to home. Most towns either have their own community center or share one with neighboring towns, and you may already be involved in a faith-based community. Lean in a little, get involved, and build new friendships or refresh old ones.
• Engage in a hobby—See if there are groups nearby who share your interests in a hobby to enjoy it with others. Help plant trees along the new rail trail, join a stitching or knitting group, or paint with a group at the local museum. Same old hobby, but with some new friends.

Make a plan to get social

One of the nice things about retiring is not having to get up and out at 7:00 every morning. But it’s still important to stay connected and by planning ahead, you can. It’s your time to do what you want—think about what you want to do, make it happen, and make some friends along the way.