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Quiz: How Men Can Make More Friends

Review our list of loneliness-busters. Then test your knowledge


an illustration shows an older adult male spending time with a young boy on the stairs of a porch
There are steps that men can take to lead happier, healthier social lives.
Tara Anand

Many men are lonely in their golden years. A 2025 AARP study on friendship found that men 50-plus were more likely to experience loneliness than women of the same age, with Gen X men feeling lonelier than boomer men. But there are steps men can take to have a happier, healthier social life. Want to learn more about this subject? Review AARP’s “10 Ways Older Men Can Make Meaningful Connections,” then take the quiz below to test your knowledge.

Question 1 of 8

Why is loneliness among older men a serious issue?

Among all age groups, men over 75 have the highest suicide rate in the U.S., making loneliness a critical public health concern that requires proactive strategies to address it.

Question 2 of 8

If you feel lonely, you should:

Loneliness shouldn’t be viewed negatively, or as a personal flaw. But it is a signal that a person needs more connections in their life — and an opportunity to take steps toward finding them. Check out AARP’s Better Together page for ideas on how to get social.

Question 3 of 8

What is a good first step when addressing loneliness?

Start with self-reflection: understanding your feelings, identifying signs of loneliness, and considering recent life changes that may have contributed to how you feel. Such awareness sets the foundation for meaningful action.

Question 4 of 8

Why are “small steps” emphasized as a good strategy for men overcoming loneliness?

Men often feel overwhelmed when trying to fix their loneliness all at once. It’s better to start simply, with manageable actions, and build momentum over time. Here are 25 ideas on how to make friends over 50.

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Question 5 of 8

What advantage do longtime friendships offer?

Longtime friendships are valuable because they are built on decades of shared experiences. This makes it easier to reconnect and have meaningful conversations, compared to starting from scratch.

Question 6 of 8

How can cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help with men experiencing loneliness?

CBT can help men manage their loneliness, improve their self-esteem, increase their social engagement, and reduce depression and suicidal tendencies, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

Question 7 of 8

Why are group activities or shared hobbies recommended to combat male loneliness?

Activities like hiking, golf and volunteering allow you to connect with people and exercise your social muscle without the expectation of instant relationships.

Question 8 of 8

What role do the arts play in reducing loneliness?

Engaging in the arts reduces cortisol (stress hormones) and increases “feel-good” dopamine and endorphins. It also activates regions of the brain that influence how safe and inviting the world feels to us.

This quiz was created with the assistance of generative AI. It was reviewed by editors before publication.​

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