How to Have Fun on a Nickel or Dime as an Older Single Woman

Remember nickels and dimes? They get tossed in a box these days. I don’t think kids even know what they are.

Can you believe this?

The Powerball winner was one block from my house. One frickin’ block! Did I buy a ticket? No! As a single older woman living in Los Angeles, it can be difficult to have fun without winning the Powerball but it’s possible.

I’m a fun-loving person

That’s my personality style. While some older people are content to stay at home smoking pot (like my roommate) or knitting, I’m on the lookout for something to do that’s exciting. I’d rather have an experience than acquire material objects.

Sadly, global inflation, high gas prices, and living by the seat of my pants, have made fun-seeking even more challenging. A trip abroad or even to San Diego requires a Powerball win without employing some creativity.

I always have fun writing this blog, but it hasn’t made me rich yet even though I earn passive income from it.

There are many ways to have fun as a single older woman (or any woman) without being rich.  Below are some of those ways.

Take advantage of being a “senior”

Start with your AARP membership as they offer senior discounts galore. Whenever you go somewhere or book a reservation, check to see if there is a senior rate.  

I use my “senior pass” when I travel on the L.A. Metro line. The Los Angeles subway may not be as efficient as New York’s, but it gets me around the city without having to deal with traffic. Some of the characters who ride on it are weird, but I keep a low profile and wear a mask.

If I had won the Powerball, the first thing I would have done is hire a chauffeur.

The outdoors is safe and healthy

Walking in nature is healing and reduces stress so every chance I get I find a scenic place to walk. Los Angeles is an urban jungle, but it also has serene lakes, vast parks, botanical gardens, hiking trails, and artsy neighborhoods. Most are free or cheap.

Obviously, not everyone can enjoy the outdoors during certain times of the year. If your climate makes it impossible, seek inexpensive indoor activities like lectures, concerts, art installations, etc. Go online and type in “free events near me.” You’ll be surprised at what you find.

Avoid tourist traps

As a teenager living in Orange County, I spent many weekends at Disneyland. That was when you could purchase an “E” ticket for 5 bucks. Now, you can only go if you are willing to fork over $100 per person. I’d rather eat glass than spend that kind of money to hang out with Pirates from the Caribbean even though they’re kind of cute.

I much prefer taking a tour of an obscure or artsy neighborhood, exploring a historic building, or gazing at the ocean.

Join groups that share your interests

Fun and compelling experiences can be found by searching for group events on sites like Meetup or Eventbrite. Type in your interests and events will pop up in your area.

If having a man around to have fun with is important to you as a single woman you can also try finding a partner on a traditional online dating site or if you are a wild and free spirit, find out about alternative lifestyle dating by watching this interview I did on YouTube with author Carolyn Lee Arnold.

Learn to have fun with yourself

As older people, we often put ourselves in a rut. We wake up, work, browse our computers, eat, watch TV, and go to sleep. Instead of pursuing our interests or hobbies, we simply pass the time into the next day. Sometimes we never leave our home unless it’s to go to the market.

Make it a habit to schedule at least one fun activity to do each week that gets you out of your rut. It doesn’t have to cost anything but will shake up your routine. Take a special class, hike, go to a gym, have lunch with friends, or spend time by yourself in a museum.

I often go out alone because I no longer have a partner and my older friends don’t always share my love of walking and exploring.  I’d rather be on my own time schedule than burden someone who can’t catch up or who has a different agenda. Being with friends is wonderful but spending time alone and having fun is cool too.

What do you like to do to have fun? Please leave a comment below.

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