As we get older, staying socially active is important for maintaining both our physical and mental well-being. However, for many adults over 70, joining a social group or participating in social activities can be challenging, especially if they live alone or feel vulnerable.
Ageing brings plenty of life changes, including retirement, health and mobility challenges, and the loss of loved ones - factors that can lead to social isolation and loneliness. Engaging in social activities can help to deal with these feelings of loneliness. They encourage companionship, boost happiness, and keep the mind active.
If you’re looking for social groups for over 70s in the UK, there are plenty of opportunities. You can find activities such as coffee mornings, friendship clubs, and online events. There are also virtual meetups and online classes for those who prefer to engage from home.
This guide will help you discover the best social activities for people over 70, covering both in-person and online options. You will also learn where to find these activities, helping you gain the much-needed social support, meet new people, and enjoy a fulfilling social life in your later years.
Jump to:
- Benefits of social activities for the elderly over 70s
- Types of social activities & where to find them
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Safety tips for elderly over 70s attending social activities
Benefits of social activities for the elderly over 70s
Being involved in regular social activities has many benefits for the elderly over 70s.
Improved mental health
Loneliness and social isolation can lead to depression and anxiety. Staying socially connected provides emotional support, reduces stress in the elderly, and boosts overall happiness.
Better physical health
Joining activities like walking groups, mindfulness activities like yoga, or dancing helps keep you active. It also improves heart health and lowers the risk of chronic illnesses.
Cognitive stimulation
Learning new skills, engaging in discussions, and participating in mentally stimulating activities can help improve memory, concentration, and reduce the risk of dementia.
Enhanced sense of purpose
Being part of a social group, volunteering, or joining a club can provide a sense of belonging and purpose, which is crucial for emotional wellbeing.
Increased independence
By staying engaged in social activities, seniors can maintain their independence longer, boosting confidence in their daily lives.
Types of social activities & where to find them
Finding social groups for older adults over 70s is easier than ever, with many organisations and community groups offering a wide range of activities. Below are some of the most popular social activities for older adults and where to find them.
Local community centres & U3A (University of the Third Age)
Many towns and cities have community centres that organise social events, hobby groups, and learning opportunities. The University of the Third Age (U3A) provides educational and social activities for older adults.
It is a UK-wide collection of over 1000 charities that offer opportunities for retired older adults over 70s to come together and learn for fun. These include language classes, history discussions, music appreciation, and creative writing workshops
You can also learn your favourite subjects from the comfort of your own home with u3a online community. You can find them on local council websites, libraries, or Age UK directories.
Walking & outdoor clubs
If you love to spend time outdoors, you can join walking groups and gardening clubs that provide a great way to stay fit and meet new people. These groups organise regular meetups to go for scenic walks, birdwatching, and visit conservation projects.
To find walking and outdoor wellbeing clubs, you can explore local Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, National Trust guided walks, or council organised park events.
The Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are free and led by experienced volunteers, with opportunities to socialise over a cup of tea afterward. To access some of the National Trust walking trails, you might have to pay depending on the areas you wish to visit. If you are interested to explore such areas, then you can choose to do so with the National Trust Senior Membership discount eligible for people over 60s.
Hobby & special interest groups
Retirement provides the perfect opportunity to pursue hobbies you may not have had time for earlier in life. Joining a crafting club, photography group, model railway club, choir, or book club can be a fantastic way to meet like minded people and develop new skills. Many local groups organise regular meetings, exhibitions, and creative workshops. You can find them in your local library, Facebook groups, art centres, and community noticeboards.
Volunteering opportunities
For older adults over 70s who may feel lonely or looking for a sense of purpose, volunteering is an excellent way to stay engaged. Many organisations need volunteers for mentoring, community support programmes, reading initiatives, animal care, hospital assistance, and befriending services for other elderly individuals.
If you are interested, you can find opportunities through Age UK Befriending services, Royal Voluntary Service, and local churches or charities that offer volunteering roles. If you are unable to meet people in-person, many of these services offer flexible options, like providing telephone-based support.
Online social groups & virtual activities
For those who prefer to socialise from home, virtual community groups, learning platforms, and fitness classes provide excellent alternatives. Seniors over 70s can join virtual book clubs, attend online lectures, participate in video call social groups, or even play games with others online. Popular options include Facebook Groups, Gransnet, U3A Online, and YouTube senior fitness channels.
- Gransnet is a free social networking site for older adults, offering forums, competitions, and recipes.
- The National Careers Service
provides career-focused courses for those looking to change jobs or progress in their current roles
- Open Learn by the Open University and Future Learn offers lots of free online courses on a huge range of topics, including medicine, management, history and languages.
- Learn Direct has a network of local centres offering computer-based teaching, including free courses in English, maths, and IT skills.
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Your local paper should also have details of things going on in your area, such as classes, workshops and talks
Social lunch clubs & coffee mornings
Many local organisations run social lunch clubs and coffee mornings, offering a friendly environment to enjoy a meal and conversation with others. Some clubs feature guest speakers, quizzes, and themed social events. You can find these through local churches, the Age UK website, or visit the neighbourhood community centres.
Fitness classes
Across the UK, gyms and leisure centres offer free or discounted activities for adults over 70, including swimming, fitness classes, chair yoga, and tai chi. Some of the centres offer group classes giving you an opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends.
One of the fitness organisations called Better, offer senior club sessions in their leisure centres and believe in staying socially active and fit at any age. They run regular senior activity programmes such as badminton, table tennis, boules and others.
Safety tips for elderly over 70s attending social activities
Ensuring safety while attending social activities is important for elderly over 70s, whether participating in activities that are in-person or online. If you are joining a group for the first time, look for organisations with good reviews. You can also ask a loved one for recommendations. If you are attending an event in a new location, make sure to inform a trusted friend or family member about your plans.
When attending events or classes online, be cautious of clicking on unknown links. Make sure to engage with legitimate groups run by verified organisations. When you join social groups on sites like Facebook or forums, do not share personal details. This includes your home address, financial information, or passwords.
For elderly over 70 who have trouble moving, it's important to pick activities that are easy to get to. Look for venues with ramps, handrails, and seating areas. Checking whether the organisers offer support for older adults with specific needs is also beneficial.
Carrying a personal alarm can give extra reassurance to elderly and their families. It helps in emergencies during social activities. For elderly over 70s who live alone, having additional safety measures in place at home can be helpful.
A fall alarm or GPS personal alarm ensures that help is always available in case of an emergency, both at home and while out in the community. These devices provide peace of mind allowing older adults to engage in social activities confidently.
