Socialising

In addition to all the good ideas here from GNs, I suggest having a look in your local library. Our library runs all sorts of groups, as well as being a "warm space" (with free hot drinks) during the winter.

'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?'

I am a member of a 'simply walk' group which goes for an hours walk each week. We finish with coffee together and most people stay. One person who used to do the walk now often just comes for the coffee so that would maybe work for you.
In our area we are fortunate that there is lots going on and I attend 3 craft/knit'n'natter groups each week and another once a month. Some of the other members go to more than group too. We also have a couple of lunch clubs locally though I've not been to either of them but know people who do.

Hate the gym, love line dancing.

U3A has plenty of groups and you can just join and start your own.

Trefoil guild has as much variety as guides - I have joined the crafting section

Your local library will have a list of groups and volunteering opportunities - I read at school, but there are loads of different, including volunteering at the library

YorkLady

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

It is a fantastic idea. I belong to a coffee and cake group.

Officially it is a book club, unofficially, as we all admit, we do read the books, but the real purpose is to sit in a group of widows, wives and single women of "a certain age" and have a good natter about anything under the sun, compare recipes, we take it in turns to bake the cake, and have an afternoon out.

On second thoughts, I belong to two such groups. The other is a country dance group, and we do dance, but on the last Monday of the month we only dance half the time, and guess what? drink coffee and eat cake for the rest of the evening.

Take up the Ukulele- you’ll never be without somewhere to go or someone to talk to. Just learn c chord and you’ll be away!

u3a - Welcome to the u3a share.google/OlbKxOPjS8qHHxCuf

I gave a link to U3A .
It's countrywide but isn't everyone's cup of tea . It tends to attract the better educated retired people who believe in lifelong learning - at least round here it does.

We have monthly talks by interesting speakers, followed by tea and a biscuit. Bring your own cup so there's less washing up!
Often the speakers are surprised by the questions. They hadn't realised they were speaking to some of the folk who know more than them. All friendly though.

University of the third age. Not a university but for retired people to meet others and if interested take up different courses run usually in their own homes by members of the group with particular talents.
There are groups everywhere , just google.

U3A? Can someone enlighten me as to what it is/means?

I’d agree with the suggestions of a book club or knitting group- something which allows you time to chat. Where I live, many senior citizens go to a Flower Club where different florists demonstrate arrangements. They have tea and biscuits afterwards. Definitely have a look in your local library- mine has a play reading club once a month.

Join the WI (Womens Institute). There will definitely be a group near you. They are a great organisation and a great way to meet new friends. And they are not all 'jam and Jerusalem', they have some very interesting speakers and outings.

What is it about the exercises that you don't enjoy? Could the exercises be adapted for you, or could you adapt them yourself? I go to a Pilates class and will often just rest during an exercise if I'm not enjoying a particular bit. Nobody bats an eyelid.

If you definitely want to stop the class, could you take the opportunity to speak to the class members individually, take their numbers, see if they would like to do a regular activity outside of the fitness class? I'd be delighted if someone approached me and said they'd still like to see me outside of the class.

You could always go to just the social, missing the exercise bit, as someone else here suggested, I'm sure nobody would mind?

Could you not just meet them for a coffee afterwards? Or would you feel cheeky?

We have a coffee and chat group! A lovely lady organised an Over 55 Facebook Group which meets at a coffee and lunch venue every couple of weeks and I love it! It’s very popular and is growing fast, 12 coming tomorrow. I’ve suggested that we move round part way through so we can chat to a variety of people.

Can you still meet up just for the coffee and chat afterwards?

I've belonged to NWR for many years.
Quite recently I moved house and county. I transferred to NWR near my new home.
We do meet in each others homes, but no one is obliged to host a meeting.
In the three different groups I've belonged to we keep refreshments strictly to a hot/cold drink and biscuits. Cake is allowed for special occasions. No refreshments competition.
I whole heartedly recommend NWR as a way of meeting like minded women.

Another devotee of NWR here. My local group has met in a church hall for ages. New groups are more likely to be in public places such as a quiet pub or cafe. Really recommend it.

Thank you all for your encouraging comments. I will start to investigate some of the suggestions you've made.

We have a lot of social activities at my church and there is no need to be a member of the congregation .
We offer warm space for a weekly lunch and a fortnightly craft class where you can do anything. They always need flower arrangers.
I could fill up my week with activities.
I was asked to teach Art at another church .
Charity shop volunteering can generate friends . I did it on Monday and laughed a lot .
Otherwise a silver screen meet up can offer something different.
But -
As I get older I find people incredibly cliquey.
Even at my church .
They all have their groups and joining two people seems to cause tensions.
I used to have a fantastic social life.
Don't give up on fitness that's what I did .
Now my mobility has declined .

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

Sounds more fun!