Socialising

Try joining a group that isn’t all about exercise, google groups that get together in your location. If you prefer knitting there could be a knit and natter group or if a book lover try joining a book club etc., if was just a coffee and cake club I would already be a member but I don’t think there is one 🫣

Coffee and cake club you say?? What a fantastic idea. We need this 😄

Could you tell people at your exercise class that you are planning to leave and ask if anyone would like to meet for coffee? Or can you still join them without doing the classes?

Is there a local Facebook page in your town? Often there are posts on there about women's meet-up groups who get together for coffee and chat, so it could be with looking on there. Or look in the library to see if there is a book club that would suit you. Libraries sometimes have other social events too - ours has a poetry group and various talks from authors, for instance - so again, it is worth checking it out.

Also, one of our local cafes has a chatty table, where anyone wanting to talk to others can sit. If there is nothing like that near you, maybe suggest it to people in cafes you could visit?

Other than that, the usual suggestions are U3A and groups such as knit and natter. Good luck!

Last week idly looking at a free local mag , noticed a club which seemed interesting so phoned the number and I went last Friday.
Sadly it’s not a coffee and cake club, I would be good at that, sadder still it appears I am not going to sell many paintings, but I am glad I went as it is a way to meet people, without having to exert too much energy.
Another option are walk and talk gentle walks for older people, run via the council, and free, which i recently joined. You might check to see if there are these in your area. It’s very friendly and not too demanding.
Or have a look at your local u3A. I joined ours a year ago as I was feeling lonely, my friends had moved away, and now have lots of things to choose to do.
Hope you find something which suits you.

I see no reason while you are looking round for other opportunities to not go for the socialising bit 🙂 I'm sure you'll be missed if you go.

I live alone and am younger, so still really enjoy the socialising at the gym:

but I have also got into the habit of going to my local Costa very regularly. You'll find that there are other regulars: you get to know the staff by name, ours are very caring. It doesn't have to be a Costa of course but all it requires is sitting enjoying a coffee - bring a book or your lap top with you, many do.

U3A?
Start your own coffee club.
My cousin in America (Boston) did this and now has erudite discussions with retired Harvard professors (at least one) over coffee and cake.

Have you tried NWR? It’s a social organisation for women. Each local group varies in what it offers but it will include meetings on different topics - everything under the sun. It may include cultural visits, book groups, walking groups and there are even online groups and events such as chair yoga and meditation.

nwr.org.uk/

Try volunteering.

Are there any dog walking groups that you could join? We’re in a whippet walking group that meets up twice a month.I can’t walk these days but meet up with them at the end of the walk when they have a coffee and chat. I miss going to the sauna at my local gym as there was always somebody to chat to.

Do you play cards? Perhaps some kind of card group whist or similar. That’s certainly what I would go for.

SueDonim

Have you tried NWR? It’s a social organisation for women. Each local group varies in what it offers but it will include meetings on different topics - everything under the sun. It may include cultural visits, book groups, walking groups and there are even online groups and events such as chair yoga and meditation.

nwr.org.uk/

I belonged to the NWR when my children were small It was then called 'Housewives Register'

The thing that put me off NWR was the fact that they meet in each others' houses, taking it in turns and seemed to outdo one another with the snacks and nibbles etc. Some of it was enjoyable.

I' d recommend U3A and have heard, from friends,that the WI can be lively and interesting too.

Well, I've just looked up NWR and it does sound more interesting than the one I tried many years ago.

A new group just began within our U3A where members can choose an activity each month.
So far we've had a gin tasting, a trip to the bowling alley, and a castle visit later this week. Good fun and plenty of opportunity for socialising and cake.

U3A is open to men as well so although it's mostly women, like all these things, it feels inclusive.

u3a - Welcome to the u3a share.google/sOTsvl6LeAAamLN9o

There are plenty of men at our u3A.

Allira

The thing that put me off NWR was the fact that they meet in each others' houses, taking it in turns and seemed to outdo one another with the snacks and nibbles etc. Some of it was enjoyable.

I' d recommend U3A and have heard, from friends,that the WI can be lively and interesting too.

Some of the NWR's do meet in each other's houses. The local start up group I've joined, we meet down at the pub, if that sounds any better Alira. Although I would add our morning meets ups involve this rather than that

Sounds more fun!

It’s been NWR a long time - it changed its name back in the 80’s I think!

As I said, each local group varies. Some may meet in homes (you don’t have to volunteer) and others may use a public space. You can find out what’s on offer locally by contacting NWR head office.

I don’t really see how anyone can help you beyond the usual general suggestions about U3A etc without knowing what’s available in your area, whether you can drive or have access to public transport; whether you only want to go out in the day time or also want to go out in the evenings … and most of all, what interests you.

I am very lucky to live in a lively village of 5,000 on the edge of a vibrant university city so there is a lot going on - plus I run a club myself which has a membership of 200. That alone plus some volunteering keeps me busy and connected with a wide network of interesting people.

What’s happening where you are?

I would start with the local library. I go to a local history group at mine, also there are gardening groups that meet there in the winter and other things going on. Also the librarians are founts of local knowledge about all sorts of community groups etc.
NWR has had a change of image recently. I was going to start one in my area- they are much more in tune with what women want in their local areas now- not like the WI at all.
Also check out your local churches- there are low level exercise classes at mine, a lunchclub with bingo and raffles once a week and an agewell group that has guest speakers and trips.
I am sure you will find something in your community to suit- it is just finding these things.
U3A isn't always easy to access as the popular groups in my area have waiting lists. It just isn't for me.

You could try the Meetup website. Lots of individuals putting on what they like to do and you can join them. Anything from Rambling to Dancing. All age groups.

That's funny Magzz, I am have the opposite experience. I have been going to a class for years and it's helpful for my wellbeing and mobility.

I find I am out of the loop when it comes to the social bit. I've just given up.

A book club? Would that work for you maybe?