New starters, whatever age.

We moved to a new house and new area, three years ago, the year after, I finished working,I felt really isolated until I found a couple of small groups where we ladies just talk for a few hours, and drink tea/coffee and enjoy the variety of subjects we get through. I have worked with people all my life, and admit I do appreciate some peace and quiet, I have even begun writing a book, whether it will ever get published is another matter.

I have taken up the cello again after about 35 years! I started quite late anyway, but now find it unbelievably rewarding with the genuine prospect of playing better than I did all those years ago. I play quartets regularly - complete joy. Our first violinist says "you're never too old to get better at something". I am determined to appreciate the things I can still do until I am genuinely too old to do them! Good luck Luckylegs.

I returned to learning, to revive my O level French. Lovely adult group and made a new friend! We are off to France on Friday to sort out DD's wedding next year, so I have been revising the necessary vocab. E.g. "Do you deliver?"
Theoddbird - I am in awe! The birdwatching opportunities on a canal must be wonderful

grandMattie and the library might be glad of a volunteer too!!

Took up lots of things when I first retired. Now thinking I need something new. Great ideas here. Thanks.

I've had a recent big change as two of my DS left home and am living on my own for the first time ever. First big change was being widowed, second retiring and now this. The next will be downsizing but at the moment I'm enjoying not having to clear up/cook for two men.

Take this opportunity to make yourself fit and healthy, you want to lose weight. Don't rush to join a gym- start with walking, maybe a little further or faster each time, try zumba or zumba gold (a little slower). Also overhaul your diet, the 5:2 has fast results. Good luck.

I was widowed 4 1/2 years ago at the age of 57. DH & I had downsized 3 years before, moved from Middlesex to Somerset to be between my DD & DH's DD.

Just over 2 years ago I moved again, took less than a month after agreeing to sell my home (Park Home) to moving to Devon where my DD lives. No home to go to so I put everything (more or less except important papers, some clothes & vanity case) into storage. Stayed with DD for 2 weeks then rented a holiday flat for 5 weeks. I found my new home 2nd day (another Park Home) but due to complications I couldn't move in straight away.

Moved into my new home about 10 miles from DD, lovely area, really nice neighbours & starting to make lots of new friends. I joined a few Meet Up Groups which is lovely for meeting a variety of different people, male & female & going to new places. I'm hoping to join WI as I was a Member in my teens & a local club has Whist amongst other activities. I have played Whist for over 50 years on & off.

No new man in my life but I'm happy as I am, if I do meet some-one well I'll see what happens. It's lovely to be nearer DD & her OH, DGS2 was born in May & it was so special to be around, DH & I stayed with DD for a week when DGS1 was born. Now I can see both DGS's grow up.

Life is good, embrace new challanges

You ladies are inspiring!

Theoddbird - I'm sure you won't regret your move to a boat. We lived on a barge for 10 years and loved it. The community on the water is great, so friendly, such a wide variety of people who you wouldn't normally meet. The only downside is British Waterways who you generally have to deal with!!
I wish you every happiness in your new life.

Love all the energy you all have. I'm spending my summer on my boat.

grannybuy - I am in exactly the same position as you. Luckily my OH supports me going out to do my own thing because he knows that I would not cope with losing these activities. But when I am out I am ringing him constantly to check he is OK and has remembered his medicatio0n. It is a bugger of an illness.

I have plans of changing my life, but haven't found the right things for me yet in my neighbourhood...so I continually think positively... whilst I'm looking I have taught myself to play the piano and am re-learning French at home, and travelling frequently. About to purchase a good comfortable motorhome, again, and spend time "on the road" at leisure in the UK and Europe.

What a great thread Luckylegs. It's wonderful to read of the plans you've put in place. You've been through such a difficult time and deserve that wonderful cruise you've booked for next year, whether or not you manage to wear the new dress[gin].

We moved 9.5 months ago; best thing we could have done. Have 2 wonderful young ladies living next door who've become very special friends. They've asked me to join their darts team I passed the test because at least I can hit the board (most of the time). We joined a new church and I've also become a member of the Mothers Union and left the last meeting having put myself forward as treasurer; still not sure how I managed that.

There are some wonderfully inspiring posts on this thread, just what I needed to read on a Monday morning.