Sadly, lots of folks in retirement have trouble finding friends. That’s a big deal because having a social network has been linked to better health and longer lives. Lucky for us, life in Lanark offers lots of ways to connect.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to make friends and stay active while at the same time serving your community. The LVA and other LV community organizations could always use some help with their events, and the same is true of the American Legion.

State and National Parks and Forests, Wildlife Preserves, and Audobon sites are abundant on the Forgotten Coast, and they would welcome your volunteer application. You could pet dogs at the Humane Society, fight fires with the volunteer fire department, learn how to help your neighbors in a disaster with CERT, or distribute food for Farm Share, to name only a few available opportunities.

If you want to make friends and enjoy helping others, volunteering for one of the many non-profits along the Forgotten Coast might be your answer.

Meet people through your hobbies or interests

You can also meet people through participation in some of your favorite activities. That’s easy to do here, too. If you like reading, the Franklin County Libraries sponsor book chats. If you’re more of a writer, they’ve got writers’ groups too.

The little free library in front of Chillas Hall.

Would you rather make art? Make it with the Carrabelle Artists Association and meet the other area creatives.

If playing games is more to your taste, come to Tuesday Game Night at the Hall. Once your competitive juices start flowing, come back for Bingo on Wednesday. Lanark Village Golf Club maintains a shuffleboard court where a team of friendly neighbors play regularly. You could be among them.

You can make quilting buddies at the Wandering Star Quilters Club or fishing buddies at the Lanark Village Boat Club. Whatever floats yours.

Get a job

Workplaces provide a natural outlet for meeting others, and Lanark is fairly well-positioned for job seekers There isn’t a lot of industry here (after all, we’re on the Forgotten Coast).

However retail jobs are a favored part-time occupation for Lanark Village retirees because there are plenty of available positions within a reasonable commute. Every tourist needs a tee shirt and a souvenir. You could be the one to make that happen for them while getting acquainted with your colleagues and meeting people from all over the country at the same time.

Have coffee with friends

Neighbors gather for morning coffee and conversation.

Lanarkians meet for coffee at Chillas Hall Monday through Friday from 9-11. It’s a bang-up way to start your day.

Get a dog

No, not for the companionship, although dogs are great for that, too. But if you have a dog with you on your daily walks, people are more likely to stop and chat.

They want to know about the dog. Then, if you’re lucky, they want to know about you. That could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

The Forgotten Coast is super dog-friendly. Your canine companions are welcome in many restaurants, pubs, and breweries, and even on the area’s beaches (except for those in the state park). Leash up and go forth!

Take advantage of LVA activities

Take a look at the activities on the Things to Do page of this site. You’ll find plenty of ways to have fun, meet new people, and get together to walk, talk, dance, and play.

The dessert table at Thirsty Thursday weekly potluck.

There’s no need to starve for friendship when Lanark life offers you a buffet. Serve yourself whatever you’d like.

How to Make Friends in Retirement