Practical help for my grieving father in law

[MummyPugh]

My father in law recently lost his wife and he is really struggling...emotionally and practically. We are able to support him emotionally but we do need to help motivate him to fill his days when we can't be with him. His wife did absolutely everything! Can anyone recommend a cooking course in the Guildford area aimed at elderly gentleman who need to learn to cook for one? Or any other activities? He is a very sociable man and just likes company. He is in his late 60s.

[shivs1974]

I'm sorry to hear about your fil. I don't live near Guildford so can't recommend a cookery course. My Mum is a widow and fills in time with helping in a hospice (which may not be suitable..) and doing things with U3A (University of the Third Age) - oh and learning to play bridge and do botanical painting. I don't know much about U3A but they seem to organise courses/outings on a whole range of subjects - and you pick & choose what you fancy.
I hope that helps...

[HindsightisaMarvellousThing]

I'd second the suggestion to look into the U3A.

My father was in a similar situation a few years ago, and we found that small projects and things to be getting on with were a godsend. It sounds like your FiL just needs his time filling up a bit for him?

Golf lessons are good - a trip down the driving range each day to practice his golf swing before the next lesson, then the next lesson etc.

Cookery lessons are a good idea, though my father lives on M&S meals. Try calling the local further education college as they are likely to run evening classes in cooking, and if these classes aren't appropriate, try asking the people who run them to do a couple of private lessons at home with your FIL, to cover basic techniques. Even a local neighbour might be able to do this TBH.

Swimming, walking, local ramblers association are all worth looking into. The local paper or library will have adverts for photography or internet courses. Could he stand as a local councillor? Set up or help with the parish council or other local groups? Rotary club? Get a dog and enrol in training sessions?