Most older people have a circle of friends. I, for example, still do the odd dinner party, guest numbers are smaller, but always fun, sometimes I go to restaurants with one particular couple or my youngest daughter and partner and their friends; - on older lady, who is an ex-actress and a fascinating story-teller, I go and have a cheap Tuesday Special lunch with on a regular basis, but I wouldn't go to a senior citizens' center - I am still collecting 'interesting' people rather than 'old' people - 'old' is not necessarily interesting.
I have done voluntary service, served at a club for many years, got tired of same old, same old (even the people) - now I am - for the first time in my life 'free as a bird' and I am enjoying it.
I have still got hobbies, projects, but then one has to be physically fit for these kinds of activities.
I am not lonely, at least not consciously so - and HC is fabulous too, so many different people, opinions etc. etc. - full marks to the people who started HotCopper and allow it to continue as the social chat-site it partly has evolved into.
Taurisk