10 Places to Go When You are Over 40

• Back 9 Team
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e’ve all seen the guy at the bar or club who’s significantly older than everyone else, and none of us want to be him. If you’re 40 or older, though, you’re approaching the danger zone. In addition to sticking out like a sore – and rather pathetic – thumb, hanging out places where everyone’s at least a decade younger than you isn’t the best way to meet new, like-minded people. Young women are cute, but making real connections with them is pretty unlikely. So, where should older guys go to find decent company? There are all kinds of options, but you need to start thinking outside the bar.

1. Bookstores
I know what you’re thinking: What bookstores? Sure, they’re going the way of the do-do, but they’re still out there if you’re willing to look. In order to stay relevant, many host book club meet-ups and other events. Local libraries are good for that kind of thing too. Even if you’re not a bookworm, start scouting out opportunities like these. They tend to attract older, educated types, so they’re perfect for mature men who want to make real connections with others.

2. Bowling Alleys
The days of the dingy, smoke-filled bowling alley are rapidly fading. In most metro areas, classier options are replacing them. There are even bowling alleys that have cigar smoking rooms, martini bars, upscale events and other exciting features. Whether you show up for open bowling time or join a league, this is a great way to have fun, enjoy a few drinks and socialize with people around your own age.

3. Dog Parks
This one only applies if you have a dog, obviously. It’s a bit of a cliché, but dog parks really are great places to meet new people. People of all ages own dogs, so you’re sure to run into a mix of folks. People ostensibly go to dog parks to let their dogs enjoy the great outdoors, but many have ulterior motives. It’s practically expected that dogs’ owners will interact with one another, so don’t feel self-conscious about it. Just get out there and see how it goes!

4. Online Dating Sites
The stigma that used to be attached to online dating is long gone. It’s now a perfectly acceptable way to meet people, and it doesn’t matter how old you are. Certain sites are friendlier to older folks than others, so do a little research. You don’t even have to go into it with expectations of any kind. Just make meeting new people your top priority. If nothing else, you’ll get to go out and have a nice time a few times per month.

5. Gyms
The best way to meet new people at the gym is by going at the same time every day. You’ll start noticing and gradually getting to know other regulars. Another option is to sign up for classes at the gym. Whether you try Pilates, yoga, kickboxing or some other activity, there are sure to be others around your age who you can get to know.

6. Golf Courses
This one is something of a no-brainer for many older men, who often spend tons of time hitting the links. More women are getting into golf than ever, though, so this is a nice option to consider. Nicer golf courses have clubhouses with bars too, and the younger crowd tends to steer clear of those kinds of places.

7. Sporting Events
 If you’re a sports fan, no one would probably have to twist your arm to convince you to buy season tickets for your favorite team. In addition to getting to enjoy home games regularly, this could put you in touch with other season ticket holders, who generally tend to be older people. After spending a decent amount on season tickets, you’ll feel obligated to attend as many games as possible too, so you’ll be out and about more.

8. Meet-Up Groups
It’s easy to feel alone when you’re a guy over 40 looking for new friends or love interests, but that’s not the case at all. Plenty of others are in the same boat as you, and many sign up for meet-up groups to find one another. The nice thing about this is that meet-up groups are usually geared toward specific age ranges, so you should be able to find one that caters to people around your age. These groups typically participate in a few events each month, and everyone who’s there is interested in meeting others, so the pressure’s off to a certain degree.

9. Classes
You don’t have to go back to college to meet people around your age, but it never hurts to hone your skills while rubbing shoulders with like-minded individuals. Community colleges and rec centers often offer classes covering a variety of interesting topics. Whether you’d like to try your hand at woodworking or want to learn more about photography, such classes will help you acquire new skills and give you the opportunity to meet new people. It’s a win-win situation!

10. Bars
Okay, we initially suggested that bars are off the table for older men who want to meet friends and significant others. That’s not strictly true. The trick is finding bars that cater to older, more distinguished clientele. There are sure to be at least a few in your area. A good way to find out is by checking with bartenders at any establishment. They all tend to know one another and are usually familiar with other bars. Just ask if they know of bars that tend to attract older people, and you’re sure to get at least a few suggestions.

There you have it! You don’t have to hole yourself up in your house after you’re over the hill. You have options. One is to be the guy who is conspicuously older than everyone else, which his otherwise known as “the creepy old dude.” The other is to check out the places listed above to find people who have more in common with you. More than anything, the most important thing is to keep putting yourself out there. That’s how great things happen!