Much is being said about how the baby boomers or "silver surfers" are flocking to the Internet and adopting this new technology for communication, banking, researching a variety of topics and socialising.  I think it's fantastic that the older generation aren't being left behind and want to get on board. 

A number of social networking sites specifically for the older generation have developed over the years.  These take into account a cleaner design and layout, larger fonts, less colours and topics specific to an older target market.  A particular example is www.tbd.com

Online discussion groups and expert groups offer a wonderful way for retired people to connect with the world and to be able to share a lifetime of knowledge and experience with everyone.

Of course there are also online dating web sites for the single retired person and, who knows, you might end up in a successful relationship again!

The emotional shock of the sudden loss of social contact that a retiree experiences when their retirement date arrives can be devastating to many. Loneliness and depression are prevalent in the retired. After the retirement party/tea is over and you are sitting at home wondering what has happened to your life you may begin to realise that many, if not most, of the people you considered friends were, in fact, work colleagues. This is not unexpected as one spends about 75% of your waking life at work.

You may have a spouse who is either going to be continuing to work for a while or who has already retired. Either way you are going to need people to compensate for the loss of social contact that you may experience. To better prepare for this eventuality consider:

• Joining more clubs & societies now so that you can increase your potential pool of friends.
• Becoming more active in your local Ratepayers/Charity/Church.
• Joining a gym if you have not already - besides the obvious health benefit you will also meet more people.
• Looking for other ways to meet people of all ages - everyone has something to offer.
• Getting a pet/another pet.
• Joining a book club.
• Starting a new hobby: for example photography, astronomy or cake decorating.

Don't wait until the day after you retire to start finding new friends - you are less likely to be considered an outsider if you are not obviously desperate for company. Build a circle of friends and activities that you know will make your retirement enjoyable and fulfilled.