A 2026 Indeed Flex press release shows that retirees are taking a different approach to the end of their careers. And while many people are enjoying their downtime, one in three people surveyed said that they would consider returning to work in a temporary or flexible capacity. But it wasn’t just financial pressure driving that decision, according to the survey findings, 52 percent said they missed the social interactions they got at work.
If you’re missing the connections you once had at work, but aren’t ready to head back into the office, it could be time to consider finding a “third place” to spend time. Psychologists say this is the missing piece for many retirees who are longing for social connections once they leave the workforce. And, according to the experts we spoke with, it is easy enough to find once you know what to look for.
What is a Third Place?
The phrase “third place” is a sociological one that was coined by Ray Oldenburg in the 1989 book The Great Good Place, and it is used to refer to a place that is not your home (first place) or work (second place, but for younger people, this can also be school). “Historically, they’ve included places of worship as well as community centers such as the YMCA or in the more distant past, community squares where people gather,” Dr. Stephanie Freitag, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, and Founder of New Gen Psychology, says.
These are the places where community happens naturally, Dr. Katherine Loflin, Founder of The City Doctor, explains. “They provide opportunities for social interaction, personal growth, and a sense of belonging without requiring a formal invitation,” she says, adding that more importantly, they provide a place where you can “develop meaningful emotional connections” to the people and community in the space, without actually having to know everyone personally.
Some examples of third places include:
- Coffee shop
- Local park
- Library
- Volunteer organization
- Community gathering space
However, in your neighborhood, these places could look different and may include churches, pickleball courts, or other gathering places.
Why Retirees Need a Third Place More Than Anyone
From a research perspective, Dr. Loflin says third places help satisfy one of humanity’s most fundamental needs: social belonging. “Research consistently shows that people thrive when they feel connected, valued, and part of a community,” she continues. “Third places provide the repeated experiences and interactions that foster those feelings, making them essential not only for social well-being but also for overall quality of life.”
But these places are essential for more than just adults over 60. “Third places are not just important to retirees but to society as a whole,” Dr. Freitag adds. “We need places to congregate to build social connections that aren’t tied to work/education.”
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How to Find Your Perfect Third Place
If you don’t already have a third place in mind, Dr. Freitag says you should start by looking at places you already frequent or that have an emotional connection for you. She says it could look like finding something that connects to your hobbies, artistic interests, or a leisurely activity you love. “I encourage people to go to this space on a regular basis because a one-off experience will not yield deeper social connections or a sense of community,” she says, adding that you should try out a venue multiple times before deciding whether it’s the right fit for you.
And don’t expect to commit to one place right away, either. Matt Grammer, LPCC-S, a mental health professional and the founder of Therapy Trainings, says you should give yourself plenty of flexibility as you check out potential spots. “Curiosity over commitment is a great rule to follow,” he says. “So, take a look at lots of different choices, attend an event many times, and be aware of the places you have to try to contain excitement and the places that energize you.”
“In my work studying place attachment, I’ve found that people connect to places through a variety of pathways, including relationships, memories, experiences, identity, and personal goals,” Dr. Loflin adds. “A retiree who loves history may find deep fulfillment volunteering at a historic site, while someone who values wellness may find that same sense of connection through a walking group, fitness class, or local trail.”
As for when you should start looking, Grammer says the sooner, the better. “The social transition of retirement can be abrupt, and people can underestimate that,” he says. “I tell my clients to begin their searches during the last year or two of their work so they have the connections to social sticks they need when they retire.”
Related: I Work With Retirees—These are the 3 Surprising Habits of People Who Are Genuinely Happy in Retirement
How to Know You’ve Found the Right One
Dr. Loflin offers this quick guide to determine whether a third place is right for you, saying that the right place will share these characteristics:
- You feel welcomed and accepted
- The place is easy to visit regularly
- It encourages interaction over isolation
- Participants share common experiences, interests, or values
- It offers opportunities to contribute, serve others, or learn
- It’s easy to recognize other people who frequent the space over time
- You leave feeling fulfilled, energized, and connected
“I generally encourage retirees to explore several options before deciding what fits best,” Dr. Loflin concludes. “Finding a third place is much like finding a favorite restaurant or neighborhood—you may need to experience a few before discovering where you truly belong.”
Sources:
- Indeed Flex
- Dr. Stephanie Freitag, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, and Founder of New Gen Psychology
- Dr. Katherine Loflin, Founder of The City Doctor
- Matt Grammer, LPCC-S, a mental health professional and the founder of Therapy Trainings
