Making new friends seems to come easily for children. As you grow older, however, it may seem to be more difficult. The following are tips on how to make friends when you are older.

It may help to know you’re not alone. It’s not unusual for older people to have friends and then lose them over time. Sometimes the losses are due to growing apart and other times it’s due to death.

No matter what the case, everyone needs friends – including those who are older.

A wise person once said, “To have a friend you have to be a friend.” Be friendly with those you come in contact with. Smile and make small talk. If you’re friendly with others they will be friendlier with you as well.

If you’re interested in making new friends, you’ll want to be available. This could mean going to places where people are or spending time online.

Don’t be afraid to use today’s technology to meet new people and strike up a new friendship. Do be aware that some people pretend to be something they aren’t at times, so you’ll want to be on your guard.

Take up a new hobby. If you’ve always been interested in photography, why not take a class at a local college or university. Try to find organizations for people with the same interests as yours and then join in. Before too long you’ll be meeting new people with similar interests and forging new friendships.

Become involved in community organizations. Do you love to read? Why not find a mentor program which specializes in helping others learn to read? Are you a nature nut? You could organize a neighborhood beautification program. Volunteer at a local animal or women’s shelter and you’ll have ample opportunity to meet others.

Let your inner child come out. Children love to have fun and adults have a tendency to be more serious. Try to find things which you can have fun doing – learn to roller blade, belt out a song on karaoke night or take up kite flying – anything will work as long as you have fun doing it.

Make yourself a regular where people are. Go to the corner coffee shop each morning. If there are others who stop at the same place each day you’ll have more of an opportunity to become friendly with them because they’ll be used to seeing you.

If you have children, be sure to attend their activities. Are your children athletic? Being a sports mom is a great way to meet new people and strike up a conversation. Having something in common makes it easier talk to people, so take advantage of the time you’re together.

Even though it may be harder to make new friends as you get older, it isn’t impossible. Think about how you would like to be treated and treat others the same way. If you take time to be a friend, before too long you’ll find you have new friends in your life.