I've found that as with many other things, trial and error is involved. Our dear, old friends might be struggling with health, money, depression, family drama, low self-esteem, mental decline, etc. Some move away, and some pass away. I have had to reach out to some old friends multiple times before they were ready to reconnect. Covid isolated many of us, and aging can do that as well.

I've found it necessary to open up to new relationships, in spite of any initial discomfort and the possibility of rejection. When you reach out to others, you never fully know what issues they might have, so it might take some time to find new friends. People also like to be approached individually, not through some mass communication via email or Facebook.

I found a friend willing to meet for coffee once a month. I have another friend that comes to my home once a week to listen to/make music together and chat. I have several friends that come roughly once a week to be together over coffee and treats in my home. To get out I go to the gym three days a week (no cost to me with the Silver Sneakers program). I have a plot in a community garden, where there are usually others there who like to visit. I recently joined a church community that is small enough and loving enough to know and care for all its members. I go every week, and joined the choir, so I have a weekly rehearsal much of the year. There are myriad events for me to choose from at church: a concert series, potlucks, and volunteering in the soup kitchen, to name a few. I have begun volunteering in retirement homes as well (who knows when I will join them).

I realize that my efforts will need to be on-going, as life is ever-changing, but it has certainly been worth the effort for me.