Moving? How to Make Friends in a New Place Despite COVID-19

It's easy to find a local group with similar interests. On your Facebook account, click “groups” and then “discover.” To get local, type in something like “orchids, Del Ray Beach, Florida.” Up pops “Delray Beach Orchid Society.” Click the “about” tab to find out more.

If you're comfortable getting out and about, Guarino suggests finding a social distancing workout or yoga class, or even taking on a new sport like hiking, pickleball or tennis — something that allows for space between people and takes place outside. Volunteering can also be done with social distancing practices in place.

Keep in mind though, that if you've connected on social media and decide to meet a group in person, “ask about social distancing rules before you show up. If the rules are in line with what you need, that's great,” Guarino says. “But if not, it's up to you to determine whether you'd be comfortable.”

Remain engaged to alleviate anxiety

Another couple, Theresa and Harvey Beldner, both 50, moved from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Buffalo, New York, when Harvey got a new job. They have three adult children no longer living at home and a 10-year-old son who does. Normally, school is a place they'd meet others. But, “the school shut down four days after we arrived,” Theresa says.

Harvey has met some people at his new company — and luckily, one family also has a 10-year old son. However, Harvey, Theresa and their son still feel isolated, and because of COVID-19 are “cautious about making connections,” Theresa says.

They recognize, though, that even if they hadn't moved, they and their son would still be somewhat isolated from friends. “It's lonely,” Theresa says, “but it's lonely for everyone."

This kind of social isolation worries many in the therapy community. “It can be incredibly frightening to move to a different home or state in the midst of the pandemic. Change is hard itself, but change mixed with the fear of contracting COVID-19 can lead to distressing anxiety,” says Leela R. Magavi, the regional medical director for California-based Community Psychiatry. “Individuals I evaluate over the age of 50 often express intense isolation and loneliness.”

Magavi reports that her older patients tell her they're watching hours of television and reminiscing about better days spent with their family and friends. Those who are grandparents worry about not being able to see their grandchildren.

"One of the most anxiety-inducing things an aging individual can experience is the loss of control,” she says. “It's pivotal for grandparents to maintain their own identities and remain engaged in hobbies and their passions beyond just being a grandparent.”

She suggests joining online support groups to meet others in the region and scheduling regular video chats with friends and family to alleviate anxiety and feelings of loneliness.

Give yourself a break

Another way to reduce these feelings is by getting outside. “Things feel less restrictive in Florida because we can be outdoors,” David says. As often as possible get out to walk, bike, swim and go to a beach. And, if you have a friendly dog to walk, even better. Ellen says she has been able to chat with neighbors while out with her dog, Kiwi.

Despite wanting to meet people in your new community and create connections, it's important to maintain perspective. Recognizing that we're all in the same boat can help you cope. As Theresa says, “Even if we'd been here for 20 years, we wouldn't be able to physically see anyone.” That helps her feel better and has helped her explain the situation to her son.

David, too, speaks about making the best of things and of being all right with delayed gratification. “I'm not thinking of my disappointments,” he says. “I'm living my life and keeping myself busy. I know our social life will flourish in another six months. I'm trying to be positive.”