Starting New (Not Starting Over): A 3-Part Series on Building Community After 50

What nobody tells you about rebuilding connection in midlife—and why it's harder (and more worth it) than it should be

Let’s talk about something nobody wants to admit: building community after 50 is hard.

You’ve moved. Changed careers. Entered a new life stage. And suddenly you’re supposed to make new friends, build meaningful connections, show up confidently in spaces where you don’t know anyone. Except you’re introverted. And exhausted. And everyone else makes it look so easy.

Over the next three days, I’m sharing what I’m learning about building authentic community when it doesn’t come naturally. Through stories about family, friendship, cross-generational connection, online spaces, and the practice of showing up even when it’s uncomfortable.

This isn’t a how-to. It’s a “me too.”

And here’s the reframe I keep coming back to: you’re not starting over. You’re starting new—with a mountain of life lived behind you. That mountain isn’t baggage. It’s foundation.

If you’re rebuilding community in midlife, if you’re better at supporting others than asking for help, if you’ve ever felt like you should have this figured out by now—this series is for you.

Day 1: The Inner Circle (family, partnership, the people closest to you)
Day 2: The Ride-or-Dies (friendship, diversity, choosing, and being chosen)
Day 3: The Wider World (showing up, cross-generational community, staying alive)

Let’s do this together.