Feeling isolated / lonely

I agree, join things that interest you. There are lots of widowed ladies at my art class and they have found companionship with one another rather than finding a partner you sound lovely by the way, comfortable in your own skin.

Yes, do join classes in the type of pursuit that interests you. That way you start off by having a pastime in common with those new people you meet and that is a bonus. I meet weekly - eight years now - with a small group I met at a further education class. We're a crazy diverse bunch of six and we just have fun together. Sometimes just a pair or three of us do theatre or separate stuff we fancy but it all started by joining something and, additional company was not my reason for joining. Not at all. Funny old world!

Bowls not books !

It’s always best to enjoy what you are doing rather than do it to meet a new partner, which isn’t necessarily all ts cracked up to be .
Certainly there are lots of walking groups around, ncluding thise organised by theclocalmsuthority fir health. I belong to one myself, and love walking, or did until I got hip trouble but that’s another story.
Books too might be of interest. A friend started at bowls and she’s turned out to be a really good player.
It’s been a hard couple of years, most people feel down.
Here’s to a better 2022. Best wishes Annie

Join an Art Class,Bowling or walking Group if they are something you enjoy.New interests will enrich your life and you will have more fun. Having a partner doesn't necessarily bring happiness.
Good luck with your new life style.

You can’t beat a walking group for meeting fit older men?

More seriously, I’m sorry that you’re feeling lonely. If most of your friends and family are in partnerships is easy to feel like an outsider.

If a new partner is really what you want you do have to be pro-active. I wouldn’t do online dating but many do. Definitely you need to be where potential men are, they don’t all go to football or pubs. Bowls? There seem to be loads of them there.